Real Sociedad vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 04.01.2026 | La Liga

Hovering perilously close to the relegation zone in 16th place after 17 gameweeks, Real Sociedad find themselves dragged into a genuine fight for survival this season, holding only a fragile two-point cushion over Girona, the first side below the dotted line.

Following the departure of Imanol Alguacil, his successor Sergio Francisco failed to spark any meaningful upturn in fortunes, prompting swift action from the Basque club’s hierarchy, who moved decisively to appoint Pellegrino Matarazzo, with the Italian set for a daunting baptism of fire as he takes charge for the first time against title-chasing Atletico Madrid.

Without question, La Real’s most glaring vulnerability has been a leaky backline, with the hosts boasting one of the poorest defensive records in the top flight, having already conceded 25 goals, a tally bettered by only four teams across the division.

While their home form at the Reale Arena offers a slender glimmer of hope — three of their meagre four league victories this term have come on home soil — Sociedad approach this fixture on the back of a worrying run that has seen them suffer three defeats in their last four La Liga outings.

To compound matters, Matarazzo will be without several key figures for his debut, most notably defensive mainstay Igor Zubeldia and midfield anchor Jon Gorrotxategi, both sidelined through suspension after accumulating yellow cards, further complicating an already stern assignment.

In stark contrast to their hosts, Atletico Madrid head to San Sebastian brimming with belief and firmly entrenched in the La Liga title conversation, currently sitting third in the standings with 37 points to their name, albeit having played two games more than fourth-placed Villarreal.

Despite a stuttering start to December that saw the capital club suffer back-to-back defeats against Barcelona and Athletic Bilbao, Diego Simeone’s side responded in emphatic fashion, closing out the calendar year on a high with four consecutive victories across all competitions.

True to Simeone’s blueprint, Los Colchoneros have once again been built on defensive solidity, boasting one of the most resilient backlines in the division after conceding just 16 league goals, a platform that has underpinned their steady climb towards the upper reaches of the table.

However, Atletico will have to cope without centre-back Clement Lenglet, who remains sidelined until March with a serious ligament injury, while winger duo Alex Baena and Nico Gonzalez are both fitness doubts after picking up issues prior to the winter break.