| Barcelona vs Real Sociedad | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Barcelona vs Real Sociedad
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COMPETITION :
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La Liga
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| DATE: |
18 - 01 - 2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Reale Arena |
Real Sociedad will definitely be without Inaki Ruperez for Sunday’s league clash due to injury, while Yangel Herrera and Orri Oskarsson are also expected to miss out.
Given the strength of Real Sociedad’s performance in their most recent La Liga outing against Getafe, head coach Imanol Alguacil could opt to name an unchanged starting XI. That scenario would again see Brais Mendez deployed in a more advanced role.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal is also set to feature prominently in the final third, with the Spain international aiming to build on an impressive return of five goals and three assists during the 2025–26 campaign.
Turning to Barcelona, Gavi (knee) and Andreas Christensen (knee) remain sidelined, but the visitors are otherwise in strong physical condition ahead of the trip to San Sebastián.
Several changes are expected from the side that started against Racing Santander in the Copa del Rey, with Fermin Lopez, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Eric Garcia and Raphinha all in line to return to the starting lineup.
Joao Cancelo was an unused substitute in midweek and could be handed a second debut after rejoining the club on loan from Al-Hilal, while Ronald Araujo is also now back in contention.