Real Sociedad vs Espanyol Prediction: Matarazzo Seeks First Points as Espanyol Test Transitions

Real Sociedad host RCD Espanyol at the Reale Arena on 29 August 2026 in a La Liga Matchday 3 fixture where the stakes are already uncomfortably real for the home side. Sociedad sit 20th with zero points and a goal difference of minus four after two defeats, while Espanyol are eighth with three points and a plus two goal difference after splitting their opening two games. Another loss here and Matarazzo's position starts to feel genuinely precarious just three games in.

Real Sociedad have been beaten in both opening La Liga fixtures, going down 0-1 to Real Betis and then 1-4 to Real Madrid, whereas Espanyol opened with a 3-0 win over Levante before losing 1-2 to Real Madrid, meaning they arrive in the Basque Country with a win already on the board and a positive goal difference. The two managers have never faced each other, so there is no tactical history to draw on. Sociedad are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Espanyol, winning five and drawing two and have not lost at home to them since 2015, with last season producing two draws including a 2-2 at the Reale Arena.

Matarazzo, appointed on 21 December 2025 after replacing Sergio Francisco, is dealing with two midfield doubts: Jon Gorrotxategi (groin and pubic bone inflammation) is questionable or out and Pablo Marín is also uncertain through a muscle issue. Losing both would thin the engine room considerably and likely push Sociedad toward a more conservative build up than Matarazzo would prefer.

González, in charge since 12 March 2024, faces a more disruptive set of absences, with Leandro Cabrera suspended after a red card, Kike García out with a hamstring injury and Javi Puado still sidelined with an ACL problem. Cabrera's is the most consequential of the three, leaving Espanyol with a back line that has never started together without him this season.

Keeping the ball has not kept Sociedad from conceding, they have shipped five goals in two games, which is the problem Matarazzo most urgently needs to address. Mikel Oyarzabal leads the attack through managed minutes and Kubo's ability to beat his man could pull Espanyol's full backs out of position and open gaps centrally. The midfield absences may limit Sociedad's ability to press aggressively for long stretches but the more interesting question is whether Oyarzabal's movement against a reorganised back line, missing its most experienced organiser, is where the game is actually decided rather than out wide.

Espanyol without Cabrera also lose one of their better aerial presences, giving Sociedad an advantage at set pieces, particularly in the air. On the other end, Tyrhys Dolan's runs in behind could expose Sociedad's full backs if they push up and that counter attacking threat is the likeliest route back into the game for Espanyol.

Sociedad to win 2-1. They need the points badly, the historical record in this fixture leans heavily their way and they face an Espanyol defensive setup missing its organiser and starting a back line that has never played together without him. Oyarzabal and Kubo should create enough to win the game despite the midfield absences but Sociedad have the historical edge, the home crowd and the better individual quality. If Matarazzo's side cannot win this one, the questions about his position will only grow louder.