Real Sociedad vs Bournemouth – News and Probable Lineups

On Thursday night, Real Sociedad and Bournemouth will kick off their Europa League group stage campaigns with an exciting fixture at Anoeta Stadium.

Bournemouth heads into this clash following a 2-2 draw against Brentford in the Premier League, while Real Sociedad comes off a 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in La Liga last time out.

Match overview

Real Sociedad had a disappointing 2025-26 season in La Liga, ending up in 10th position, yet they made it to the Europa League group stage thanks to their Copa del Rey triumph, ensuring their presence in European competitions this term.

La Real has recorded two victories, one draw, and three losses in their six La Liga outings this season, entering this match following a home loss against Atletico.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s squad currently sits 12th in the La Liga standings with seven points, but they are now focusing on the Europa League, where they will face Royale Union SG, Lillestrom, Lyon, Crystal Palace, Torreense, Plzen, and Juventus in the group stage.

Real Sociedad last participated in the Europa League during the 2024-25 season, reaching the round of 16 before being knocked out by Manchester United.

La Real also made it to the last-16 in the Champions League in the 2023-24 season and they have a rich history in Europe, having played 120 matches on the continental stage.

On the other hand, Bournemouth is gearing up for their first European adventure, having finished sixth in the Premier League last season to secure their place in the Europa League group stage.

Marco Rose’s team has played five matches across two competitions this season, managing to secure only one victory – a 4-0 win against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup.

In the Premier League, Bournemouth has three draws and one defeat, leaving them in 15th place in the division with three points.

Bournemouth will also compete against Sturm Graz, AC Milan, Sparta Prague, Celta Vigo, Plzen, Lillestrom, and Hapoel Be’er Sheva during this season’s Europa League group stage, making it interesting to see how Rose’s side performs in these encounters.

The Cherries will enter Thursday’s match following a 2-2 draw with Brentford in the Premier League.

Real Sociedad form (all competitions):

Team News

Real Sociedad is still missing long-term absentee Alvaro Odriozola, and Igor Zubeldia will also be unavailable for this match due to injury.

The hosts will not have Jon Aramburu available, as the defender is suspended following a red card received in the 2024-25 competition against Manchester United.

Mikel Oyarzabal, who played a key role in Espanha’s triumph at the 2026 World Cup, is expected to be a key player in the Real Sociedad starting XI, while Hector Fort, who transferred to the Basque club from Barcelona at the end of August, is likely to fill the right-back position.

For Bournemouth, Julian Araujo, Amine Adli, Veljko Milosavljevic, and Eli Junior Kroupi will miss out on this Europa League match due to injury.

No major surprises are anticipated in the Bournemouth lineup for this fixture, with Rayan, Justin Kluivert, and Marcus Tavernier likely to support centre-forward Evanilson.

Alex Scott aims to impress in the Europa League this season, as several prominent clubs may have their eyes on him during the upcoming summer transfer window.

Real Sociedad probable starting XI:

Marrero; Fort, Sarr, Pacheco, Gomez; Ochieng, Herrera, Soler, Guedes; Oyarzabal, Sucic

Bournemouth probable starting XI:

Petrovic; Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson

This match promises to be an exciting contest in the Europa League, with both teams showcasing talent in the attacking phase, and a draw of 2-2 seems likely.