With La Liga in a period of austerity, the title race looks more open than ever. Defending champions Atlético Madrid have picked up where they left off this campaign — having swooped in and stole the title on the final day of last season under Diego Simeone. Real Madrid have begun a new era under Carlo Ancelotti and have looked back to their breathtaking best at times spearheaded by an inform Karim Benzema, while Barcelona’s financial struggles have taken their toll, lacking star players and therefore victories as a biproduct, stranded in midtable.
With the Catalonian outfit struggling to land any kind of blow on the title charge there has been room for another side to squeeze into contention. Sevilla took the final top four place last season to earn Champions League football but few on the betting exchange would have predicted the rise of Real Sociedad.
Imanol Alguacil’s side currently sit third in the Spanish top flight following a bright start and have certainly displayed the caliber of worthy title contenders in the preliminary stages of the campaign. While it might seem like an outside shot, the style of play and early results indicate a shock could be on the cards. Read on, as we discuss why we think the Basque Erreala could make a push for the league that goes all the way this year.
Strength in depth
When David Silva departed Manchester City last summer many thought a swansong in La Liga was just a final year to enjoy the twilight of a trophy-laden career. In fact, his experience and creativity have been a massive influence on the dressing room at the Reale Arena. The little magician plays a similar role to the one he did under Pep Guardiola, with two holding midfielders in behind him allowing for less defensive responsibility. Coupled with the emerging Mikel Oyarzabal, who performed well for Spain in their Nations League run, with Alexander Isak up top and there is some real attacking talent amongst the ranks.
While the La Liga campaign will be the priority, Sociedad are also playing in the Europa League, which provides an opportunity for the fringe players to get much needed gametime while also competing against tough opposition in Monaco and PSV — although their time in Europe’s secondary competition looks to end abruptly, with Alguacil’s young side yet to win a game.
Improving defensively
Much was expected from Sociedad last season after they finished fifth. While they were way off Sevilla, by a staggering 15 points, to have a go at the title they simply had to wise up at the back. Few were surprised when Barcelona put four past them in the opening weeks of the season but a defeat by that margin seemed to have given the Erreala an added boost of motivation.
Since facing Barcelona they have kept five clean sheets from seven games, with the established back four looking fine tuned and ready for their next set of fixtures before the final international break, where they face Atlético at the Wanda Metropolitano.
Remaining consistent
There is a long way to go between now and the end of the season and while Sociedad are one of the most in form teams in the division, they have to continue their strong run and ride the crest of a wave if they are still to be in contention for the title come the business end of the season. They have a great balance between youth and experience, with a changing room that has serial winners and big game players. While it may come back and blow up in their face, you feel it is now or never for Sociedad if they are too win the title, with Barça and Madrid only likely to get stronger. Spain’s top flight will not be short on entertainment this year that’s for sure.