Can anyone stop the Catalans?
This weekend, the newly crowned Supercopa winners, FC Barcelona, are guests at “La Real” in San Sebastian. The Catalans, who are naturally the favorites in such a match, are currently brimming with confidence – and rightly so. After all, Hansi Flick’s men have won all their domestic competitions since October 26, often putting on a spectacular show. The question is, who can stop this team?
Perhaps it will be the Basques, who won their last home game against the reigning champions. On matchday 13 of last season, they won 1-0 thanks to a goal from Geraldo Becker. So could it be worth placing a bet on the hosts in Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona?
Looking at the current season for both teams, there is little to suggest that the home team will prevail. While Barca has played an impressive first half of the season, winning 16 of 19 games, “La Real” is in a disappointing 11th place, just four points above the relegation zone. This record led to the early end of coach Francisco’s tenure, who had only been hired before the season.
At the beginning of 2026, Pellegrino Matarazzo took over as coach of the Basques and has had a positive record so far. In addition to reaching the quarterfinals of the Copa del Rey, his team has earned four points in the league against Getafe and Atletico Madrid. However, it remains to be seen whether the 48-year-old American will be able to set up his team to earn points against the Catalans.
Hansi Flick’s team is on a roll and has not only won every game in a national competition since the end of October, but has also scored at least two more goals than its opponents in each game – the only exception being the 3-2 win against Real Madrid in the Supercopa final.
Furthermore, when Barca are involved, you can always expect to see a lot of goals. A bet on “over 3.5,” for which odds close to double are being offered for Real Sociedad vs. Barcelona, is therefore a good tip.
One player who could contribute to a possible goal fest is the man who was voted the fifth-best player in the world last year. Raphinha is now back in top form after returning from injury and has scored seven goals and provided one assist in his last six games.
Real Sociedad – Barcelona Head-to-head record
In a direct comparison, the Catalans are clearly ahead. The reigning champions have won 25 of the last 37 games. The Basques have had cause to celebrate seven times. However, Barca still has a score to settle with the team from San Sebastian, as they lost their last away game at the Reale Arena.
Real Sociedad – Barcelona Tip
On matchday 20 of La Liga, Pellegrino Matarazzo takes on FC Barcelona in his fourth game on the sidelines for Real Sociedad.
Even though the Basques are still undefeated under their new coach, it is unlikely that they will be able to celebrate a point against the in-form Catalans. It is much more likely that the favorites will prevail by at least two goals.
As an alternative to handicap betting, odds can also be placed on the goals between Real Sociedad and Barcelona. In addition to “over 3.5,” a bet on Raphinha scoring a goal is also a good option.
