Discover how Real Sociedad has risen to prominence in La Liga, blending youth, tactical brilliance, and smart recruitment to become serious league challengers in 2025.
Real Sociedad’s Rise to Relevance
In a La Liga landscape traditionally dominated by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético Madrid, the emergence of Real Sociedad as a top-tier contender is one of the most compelling stories in modern Spanish football. Once seen as a stable but modest side, La Real has transformed itself into a genuine force in the Bt gaming demo league, earning respect for its tactical innovation, youth development, and fearless mentality.
This article takes an in-depth look at the factors behind Real Sociedad’s meteoric rise, how they are reshaping expectations in Spanish football, and why the league is better with clubs like them competing at the top.
🏟️ A Club Built on Identity and Vision
Real Sociedad, based in San Sebastián in the Basque Country, has always had a distinct identity. Known for its focus on homegrown talent, intelligent football, and community connection, the club’s values remain intact even as they aim for the summit of Spanish football.
Over the past five years, under the guidance of head coach Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad has blended tradition with tactical innovation, earning a spot in the top four and often outperforming wealthier clubs.
Key to their rise is consistency in management and philosophy. While other clubs chase short-term solutions, Real Sociedad has remained patient and purposeful.
🔍 Tactical Brilliance Under Imanol Alguacil
Head coach Imanol Alguacil, a former Sociedad player himself, has been instrumental in shaping the team’s tactical evolution.
Key Tactical Traits:
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4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 shape depending on the opposition
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Emphasis on possession-based build-up and vertical passing
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Aggressive pressing in midfield
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Full-backs who provide width and creativity (notably Álex Sola and Aihen Muñoz)
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Flexibility to defend deep when needed
Alguacil’s understanding of the club culture has helped him motivate players and maintain squad harmony, which is no small feat in the competitive environment of La Liga.
🌟 Star Performers Lighting Up the League
Real Sociedad’s rise isn’t just about tactics—it’s about players performing above expectations.
🔹 Mikel Oyarzabal
The club captain and attacking talisman, Oyarzabal has returned from injury to lead the line with creativity and precision. His leadership is vital on and off the pitch.
🔹 Takefusa Kubo
The Japanese winger has finally found consistency in San Sebastián. With electrifying pace and technical dribbling, he’s become one of the most dangerous wingers in the league.
🔹 Martín Zubimendi
Linked with top European clubs, Zubimendi controls the tempo in midfield. A master of interceptions and forward progression, he is Sociedad’s metronome.
🔹 Robin Le Normand
Anchoring the defense, Le Normand provides physical presence and calmness at the back, organizing the backline and playing out from pressure.
Together, this core has pushed Real Sociedad into the upper tier of La Liga standings.
📈 Smart Recruitment and Youth Development
What sets Real Sociedad apart is their balance between youth development and shrewd signings.
Talent from Zubieta Academy:
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Ander Barrenetxea
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Jon Pacheco
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Urko González de Zárate
Zubieta, their youth academy, continues to produce first-team ready players that align with the club’s philosophy.
Meanwhile, external signings have been cost-effective yet impactful, such as:
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Brais Méndez from Celta Vigo
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Kieran Tierney (loan from Arsenal)
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Hamari Traoré as a free transfer
Real Sociedad doesn’t overspend, yet they remain competitive—proof that smart planning trumps flashy spending in a well-run league.
📊 League Performance in 2024/25
As of mid-2025, Sociedad is sitting in the top four and has already claimed points off Real Madrid and Barcelona. They have:
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The second-best defensive record in the league
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The highest possession rate outside of the big three
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A +15 goal difference—their best at this point in a season in a decade
The results are not flukes. The team is well-drilled, confident, and consistent. They have become one of the most tactically stable and physically fit sides in the league.
🧠 Mentality Shift: Belief in Winning Big
Perhaps the biggest change at Real Sociedad is the mentality. Previously content with Europa League qualification, the club is now talking about challenging for the title and making deep runs in European competitions.
Players are staying longer, and instead of jumping ship at the first offer, many see Sociedad as a club where they can grow and compete at the highest level.
🏆 Can They Actually Win the League?
While winning the title remains a tough task given the financial clout of rivals, Real Sociedad has shown that they can sustain form, perform against top sides, and handle the pressure of expectation.
If injuries stay low and key players maintain form, they could very well break into the top three—or even dream of more.
🗣️ Final Thoughts
Real Sociedad’s rise is not just a pleasant underdog story—it’s a blueprint for sustainable success in modern football. With a mix of youth, tactical brilliance, and a deep-rooted football culture, La Real are no longer outsiders.
They are contenders.
Their journey reminds us why diversity of success matters in a league—why it’s not just about Madrid or Barça, but about the other cities and clubs that enrich Spanish football.
📣 Support the League, Support the Story
Real Sociedad’s climb up the league table brings excitement, competitiveness, and new narratives to La Liga. If you’re a football fan who values passion, patience, and principle, this is the league to follow.
Support the league. Support the story of Real Sociedad. The best football tales aren’t always about the giants—they’re about the dreamers who dare to believe.
