SAN SEBASTIÁN, Spain — host Real Oviedo at Reale Arena on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in a La Liga encounter that pits a resurgent home side chasing European qualification against a struggling bottom-table visitor desperate to climb out of the relegation zone.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. local time (8 a.m. ET / 5 a.m. PT), with the match available live on ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in the United States, beIN Sports in select regions, and various international broadcasters. Streaming options include ESPN+ and platforms carrying La Liga rights.

Real Sociedad, under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, have shown improvement since a difficult start to the 2025-26 campaign. They sit mid-table with 34 goals scored (sixth in the league) and a strong home record, though recent results have been mixed: a heavy 4-1 loss at Real Madrid last weekend followed a solid run of four wins in five prior matches. The Basques are pushing for continental spots, with standout performances from captain Mikel Oyarzabal, who has been their key attacker this season.

Real Oviedo remain rooted to the bottom of the table with 16 points from 24 matches, having won just three times all season and only once away from home. They have lost three of their last four games, including a narrow 2-1 defeat to Athletic Bilbao. The visitors have struggled defensively (36 goals conceded) and offensively (13 goals scored, second-worst in the league), making this a must-win trip for survival hopes under Luis Carrión.

Head-to-head history favors Sociedad, who have won 26 of 78 meetings, though Oviedo claimed a shock 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Their last encounter before that dates to 2014 in the Copa del Rey. Sociedad have dominated recent clashes at home.

**Team News and Injuries**

Real Sociedad face several absences. Takefusa Kubo (hamstring) and Iñaki Rupérez remain out until next month, while Luka Sucic (groin) and Ander Barrenetxea are major doubts. Brais Méndez returns from suspension, providing a boost in midfield. Ovie Ejaria is edging closer but doubtful.

Oviedo miss Santiago Colombatto (suspension after a yellow card accumulation) and David Costas (muscle injury). Ovie Ejaria (leg) is also a doubt, while Javi López is available despite loan status.

**Predicted Lineups**

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Álex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Duje Caleta-Car, Sergio Gómez; Jon Gorrotxategi, Beñat Turrientes; Pablo Marín, Brais Méndez, Gonçalo Guedes; Mikel Oyarzabal.

Real Oviedo (4-2-3-1): Aarón Escandell; Nacho Vidal, Eric Bailly, David Carmo, Javi López; Kwasi Sibo, Nicolás Fonseca; Haissem Hassan, Alberto Reina, Ilyas Chaira; Federico Viñas.

**Prediction and Key Factors**

Real Sociedad are heavy favorites at around -200 odds (67% implied probability), with Oviedo at +620 and a draw at +298. The over/under sits at 2.5 goals, with over favored slightly due to Sociedad’s attacking form at home.

Analysts predict a Sociedad win, with scorelines like 2-0 or 3-1 common. Sociedad’s superior quality, home advantage and Oviedo’s poor away record (one win, eight losses in 11) support a comfortable victory. Oviedo’s low scoring and defensive issues make an upset unlikely, though their earlier 1-0 win shows potential for frustration.

Key battles include Oyarzabal vs. Oviedo’s backline and Sociedad’s midfield controlling possession against Oviedo’s limited creativity. Sociedad’s recent defensive lapses (conceding in recent matches) could open doors, but Oviedo’s blunt attack limits threats.

**How to Watch and Livestream**

In the U.S., ESPN+ streams the match, with ESPN Deportes providing Spanish-language commentary. International viewers can check local La Liga broadcasters or streaming services like DAZN (where available). Reale Arena (capacity ~40,000) expects a strong turnout despite the winter date.

This fixture underscores Sociedad’s push for relevance in the second half of the season and Oviedo’s fight for survival. A home win would bolster Sociedad’s momentum, while an Oviedo result would provide a vital lifeline.