Valencia-Real Sociedad: Rioja returns as Sánchez says goodbye

Valencia and Real Sociedad meet tonight at Mestalla (21:00) with the goal of closing the run with a steadier mood heading into the break. Valencia come off a win at Mendizorroza that halted the slump, but the urgency hasn’t fully disappeared—especially with a stubborn stat: they have failed to score in their first three home league games, something MARCA says has never happened before.

Rioja is the key return

From the bench, Óscar Sánchez—currently in charge—faces this as a special day, since, as MARCA reports, it will be his farewell to the first team at his own ground. The club is also expected to introduce Aguirre next week as the new coach. On selection, Sánchez confirmed he has the same squad that travelled to Vitoria, and his main boost is the return of Luis Rioja. Rioja trained with the group after carrying discomfort and is available to be included. MARCA also notes that Sánchez is open to giving another chance to the academy player Aarón Mayol after his recent breakthrough.

Real need a reaction

Real Sociedad arrive after two straight home defeats, particularly the one last Thursday against Bournemouth. MARCA highlights that the poor form has affected key names such as Kubo, Oyarzabal, Guedes and Soler, and adds extra pressure from the goalkeeper situation, where Pellegrino Matarazzo has been alternating Remiro and Marrero, with doubts lingering.

Defensively, the visitors welcome back Aramburu, who missed the Thursday match through suspension, and he is expected to start alongside Jon Martín, Sarr and Sergio Gómez. Up front, the likely changes could involve a new look with Soler supporting Yangel Herrera or Gorrotxategi in a double pivot, while Guedes could return to the attack. From the bench, MARCA points to potential roles for Kubo and Sucic, behind Mikel Oyarzabal, who would likely operate as the striker. For both sides, the message is the same: Valencia want a celebratory home goal, and Real need points to avoid entering the break on the back of another setback, as MARCA outlines.