Real Sociedad has not made the best possible start to the 2023/24 La Liga season. The Spanish side have just a solitary win from their opening five games of the season, while Inter Milan have maintained a 100% record thus far.
Real Sociedad started the season with three consecutive draws. Firstly, they were held to a 1-1 draw by Girona on the opening weekend. Japanese forward Takefusa Kubo grabbed the home side’s goal before they were pegged back in the second half.
A similar result played out in the second game of the season at home to Celta Vigo. Just like in the first game, The white and Blue took the lead in the first half through Ander Barrenetxea after he was set up by Kubo. Real Sociedad conceded a goal in stoppage time to deny them their first win.
Fast forward to the trip to Las Palmas on matchweek three. It was yet another draw but this time it finished goalless. A frustrating start to the campaign for Alguacli and his players. In summary, the month of August produced no wins for a side that finished in the top four in the previous campaign.
In the first game of September, Real Sociedad edged Granada in an eight-goal thriller. Kubo continued his excellent start to the season with two more goals, while Martin Zubimendi and Barrenetxea got among the act too. It was a huge relief before the international break for the manager and his side.
However, La Real suffered a defeat going into their Champions League clash, losing narrowly to Real Madrid at the weekend. Real Sociedad led the game only after five minutes but in customary fashion, Madrid showed their relentless attitude once again as they came from behind to claim the win. Despite the defeat, Real Sociedad put in a good shift and it should be nothing overly serious to worry about.
On the other hand, Inter Milan have been magnificent this season. The Milan side have the only 100% record in the Serie A. The Nerazzuri began the season with a routine 2-0 win over Monza at the San Siro before a repeat of that outcome against Cagliari in the second league game of the season.
Their biggest performances of the season followed either side of the international break as they made their title intentions known early. Skipper Lautaro Martinez scored twice, while Marcus Thuram also got a goal for himself in the 4-0 bashing of Fiorentina.
In preparation for their first Champions League appearance since reaching the final last season, Inter Milan took AC Milan down in the Milan derby. It was a demolition at the San Siro with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Thuram playing a huge role in the big 5-1 win. Such a victory will give them the much needed morale going into their Champions League clash.
Inter may have changed some personnel, but they still look so good and strong in their three-at-the-back formation and they will be looking to make a mark in the Champions League once again.
Despite being a household name in Spanish football, this is only Real Sociedad’s third time in the Champions League this century, with two further European Cup appearances in the 1980s. Real Sociedad struggled in the Europa League last season as they were knocked out by AS Roma in the quarterfinals. This is their first appearance in Europe’s elite competition since the 2013/14 season.
The last and only time they have met was in the Europa League in 1979 – Inter won 3-2 on aggregate. During that time, the two teams won their respective home games and this might be a different game entirely.
Match tickets
The epic match at Reale Arena in San Sebastian kicks off on Wednesday 20th September, at 8 PM UK time and it will be shown live on TNT Sports, with coverage starting from around 7 PM.
Everything about the UEFA Champions League is remarkable and it will be the first elite European game in San Sebastian since 2013/14. Expect Inter Milan fans, buoyed by their current form, to troop out in their numbers to support their side in this game.
Getting Real Sociedad Vs Inter Milan tickets could take a lot of work to get, given the peculiarity of this game. Hence, you are advised to search ticket reselling sites should they be expectedly sold out on each club’s channels.
Team news
Line-ups
Kubo had a great game against Real Madrid on Sunday night and should continue in attack alongside captain Mikel Oyarzabal. Nigerian striker Sadiq Umar could be given a start having come off the bench in Madrid. Meanwhile, Andre Silva, Aritz Elustondo, and Martin Merquelanz are nursing various degrees of injuries and will not play a part in this match.
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Traore, Zubelda, Leo Normand, Tierney; Mendez, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.
Inter does not have any major injury concerns going into this UEFA Champions League opener. Defender Dimarco went off with a knock in the Milan derby but should be fit enough to start in Spain. Marcus Thuram and Lautaro Martinez are expected to continue in attack.
Inter Milan: Sommer; Bastoni, Acerbi, Darmian; Dumfries, Barella, Calhanoglu, Mkhitaryan, Dimarco; Thuram, Martinez.
Prediction
Real Sociedad has won just a game this season and has kept only one clean sheet in that time. On the other hand, Inter Milan has won all four games and kept three clean sheets this season. The Italians have also been scoring a lot this season with 13 goals in the same period.
Real Sociedad have won just one of their last seven Champions League home games, while Inter Milan made it to the final last season before losing to Manchester City.
In terms of the potential goalscorers, Kubo has scored three goals in his five league games this season, while Martinez has five goals in four league games for Inter this season.
Real Sociedad 1-1 Inter Milan