Real Sociedad – Lyon: Preview
We have the predictions for the match between Real Sociedad and Lyon in the fourth round of the group stage of the 2026/27 Europa League.
"Real Sociedad" has had a mediocre start in the Europa League, but they are not bad in the league. "Lyon" outperforms the Basques in European competitions, but they are on the brink of major changes.
Key moments
Real Sociedad
1. "Real Sociedad" did not start strong in the Europa League, but in the last round they showed all their potential.
The Basques failed to impress in the first two group‑stage matches: they lost at home only to the newly in‑form "Bournemouth" (1:2) and could not overcome "Union" in Belgium (1:1). In the third round, Pelligrino Matarazzo’s team finally displayed their level, albeit against a weak opponent, crushing "Lille" (6:0) – also scoring Arsène Zakarian.
In the league, the team sits in fifth place, which, with the season’s results, could turn into a Champions League zone.
In the last round, the Basques lost the regional derby to "Athletic" (1:2). Still, the team has a good run: they won four of their last six matches.
2. Zakarian is preparing in the general squad, rotation will be minimal.
Arsène Zakarian twisted his leg and missed the match against "Athletic", but for the encounter with "Lyon" the Russian is preparing in the general squad. In several other positions, Pelligrino Matarazzo will make rotations, as he usually does in Europa League matches.
Compared with the Basque derby, the European‑competition goalkeeper Unai Marreño will appear. The American coach will change the right‑back of the defense: instead of Xon Aramburu, Igor Subeldia will likely play, and on the left side of the attack, Gonsalo Gedeš will appear.
3. "Sociedad" scores a lot and also concedes.
Pelligrino Matarazzo, as a coach, was trained in the Bundesliga and adopted much of its style: vertical football with an emphasis on attack. "Sociedad" scored 20 goals in eleven matches. Examples: more than the flashy and creative "Betis". In the Europa League everything is also fine, as shown in the last match in Norway. However, defensively the team has major problems, especially against serious opponents. The Basques conceded the same 20 goals – even the relegation‑zone "Valencia" seems more reliable.
Lyon
1. Fonséka leaves the team
"Lyon" looks good this season and in the league, where they are in third place, and in the Europa League, where they have won two of three matches. Although they failed to return to the Champions League, the performance in European competitions cannot be considered a failure given the resources the club has had to operate with in recent years. Paulo Fonséka received a favourable offer from "Sporting" of Lisbon and has already informed the club of his decision.
Soon, Lyon’s assistant Jorge Masiel will take charge, and candidates for the position include Tiago Mottas and former coach "Braga", Carlos Vissens.
2. Lyon still has problems with left‑back defenders and the attack group
The coaching staff of "Olympique" will not be able to present the optimal lineup in San Sebastián. The recovery of two left‑back defenders continues: world champion Nicolás Talifico and the new summer signing Mohamed Uedraogo, so Abner Vinícius seems to have no alternative in this position. The team lacks quality players, and the striker from last season’s best, Pavel Schulz, and the main summer acquisition, Lio Openda, are in recovery, benefiting youth in their absence. Midfielder Tyler Morton also cannot play.
3. Lyon plays poorly away from home
In the last five home matches, "Olympique" lost three: PSG (0:2), "Hoffenheim" (0:3) and "Lens" (1:2). The defense plays extremely unstable. Throughout the autumn season, they only won one away match: against "Anderlecht" in the Europa League (2:1). A similar problem was observed in most of Paulo Fonséka’s work. Lyon’s play in control seems comfortable for the pressuriser and especially aggressive in the own stands of "Real Sociedad". The transition period in the French leadership also does not add possibilities.
Estimated lineups
4-2-3-1 4-3-1 3-1 3
Marreño 19
Sarr 6
Martín 17
Gómez 5
Subeldia 18
Soler 4
Gorratkats 11
Gedeš 24
Sučić 14
Kubo 10
Oyarzabal 1
Griff 20
Bacher 22
Mata 37
Kango 21
Kluiver 6
Tessmann 2
Bidstrup 99
Narty 26
Budaš 11
Nakamura 45
Imber
Betting on the trend
In nine of the last ten official matches of "Real Sociedad" and six of the eight matches of Lyon, at least three goals were scored. TB3 – at 1.85.
In four of the last six official matches of "Real Sociedad" at least two goals were scored. In four of the last six matches of Lyon at least two goals were conceded. "Real Sociedad" – TB 1.5 – at 1.65.
Prediction
Real Sociedad vs Lyon 05.11.2026 21:45
"Real Sociedad" did not start strong in the Europa League – they only lost to the form‑taking "Bournemouth" and did not recover in Belgium against "Union", but in the last round they crushed "Lille". Despite the defeat in the Basque derby, Pelligrino Matarazzo’s team is in excellent form, being in the top fifth of the league. "Sociedad" scores a lot and also concedes – with the first indicator they surpass "Betis", with the second they lose to "Valencia".
"Lyon" loses the coach – Paulo Fonséka leaves for "Sporting". The team has good performance in the league and the Europa League, but suffers serious squad losses – they cannot count on the best players: Pavel Schulz and Lio Openda. The French play poorly away – they lost three of the last five matches, including the blunder against "Hoffenheim". With stability in leadership and coherence, it is logical to assume a safe win for the Basques. Prediction: 3-1
