La Liga 2025-2026: Girona-Real Sociedad, the probable formations

The Thursday league fixture continues at 8 p.m. at Montilivi Stadium, where Girona hosts Real Sociedad in a match that puts vital points up for grabs in the salvation fight. The hosts, currently 18th and coming off a five-game winless streak, are in desperate need of a win to get out of the relegation zone and hook the train of teams on 42 points. Facing them, however, will be a Real Sociedad side that, though already assured of a place in Europe thanks to their King’s Cup triumph, has not won in five rounds and wants to honor the season finale. With the pressure all on Girona’s shoulders and the Basques playing only to honor the season, the challenge promises to be tense and decisive for the Catalans’ championship fortunes.

Michel lines up with a form that combines solidity and technical quality. In front of Gazzaniga, the defensive line is led by veterans Blind and Reis, with Arnau and Moreno on the flanks. In the midfield, Witsel brings balance alongside Beltran’s dynamism. On the three-quarter acts the trio composed of Tsygankov, Ounahi and Lemar, with the task of supplying Stuani, the reference offensive terminal.

Matarazzo responds with a very compact classic 4-4-2. With Remiro between the posts, the four-man defense sees Elustondo and Gomez on the outsides, while Martin and Caleta-Car form the central dike. The midfield is full of talent, with Soler and Gorrotxategi in the middle and Kubo and Barrenetxea on the outside lanes. Forward, room for Oyarzabal’s imagination flanked by Sucic’s physicality.

The likely lineups

Girona (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga; Arnau, Blind, Reis, Moreno; Witsel, Beltran; Tsygankov, Ounahi, Lemar; Stuani. All. Michel.

Real Sociedad (4-4-2): Remiro; Elustondo, Martin, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Kubo, Soler, Gorrotxategi, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal, Sucic. All. Matarazzo.