RCD Espanyol face a Real Sociedad side with notable squad changes for their LaLiga clash on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the Reale Arena. According to Marca, the San Sebastian-based team has adjusted its list, omitting defender Jon Pacheco and including new signing Mamadou Sarr and the recovered Jon Gorrotxategi.
Who are the new faces in Real Sociedad's squad?
The main novelty is the presence of young French centre-back Mamadou Sarr. The recent signing has barely completed one full training session with his new teammates. His rapid inclusion suggests coach Imanol Alguacil sees him as a viable option. The other addition to the list is Jon Gorrotxategi. The player, who had been struggling with pubis-related issues, has overcome these problems and is available for his first match of the season.
The most notable absence is that of Jon Pacheco. The defender, a regular in Real Sociedad's lineups, is left out of the squad. Marca's report indicates his exclusion could be directly related to the arrival of Mamadou Sarr, reshaping the competition at centre-back.
How is Espanyol shaping up for this match?
RCD Espanyol arrives for this fixture after an inconsistent start to the season. The white-and-blue team currently sits in 8th place in the LaLiga standings, with 3 points from two games. Their record is one win and one loss, with a positive goal difference of +2 (4 goals for, 2 against). This visit to Real Sociedad's ground is a significant challenge, as the hosts are in 20th place and will be seeking their first win. Fans can track the team's progress on our standings page.
Manolo González's side is 3 points behind leaders FC Barcelona, so a good result in San Sebastian would help them stay in the upper part of the table. The next fixture after this is another difficult away trip, making points here important for consolidation.
What lineup is Real Sociedad preparing?
Real Sociedad's starting eleven is expected to keep a core very similar to the one used in the first two matchdays. Key figures like Mikel Oyarzabal, Takefusa Kubo, and goalkeeper Álex Remiro are certain starters. However, there are battles in specific positions. In midfield, Brais Méndez and Ander Soler, who were substitutes in the last match at the Santiago Bernabéu, are competing for a spot. In defence, Aihen Muñoz hopes for an opportunity at left-back, although Sergio Gómez could start for the third consecutive time at the start of the campaign.
Another question is up front, where Icelandic forward Andri Guðjohnsen (Óskarsson) could return to the lineup. The full squad list includes goalkeepers Remiro, Andoni Marrero, and Unai Fraga, and outfield players Aramburu, Aihen Muñoz, Gorrotxategi, Igor Zubeldia, Ander Barrenetxea, Benat Turrientes, Guðjohnsen, Oyarzabal, Gonçalo Guedes, Eric Ochieng, Kubo, Sergio Gómez, Brais Méndez, Sarr, Ander Herrera, Arsen Zakharyan, Luka Sučić, Jon Martín, Beñat Beitia, Urko Carrera, and Pablo Marchal.
What does this match mean for Espanyol's schedule?
For RCD Espanyol, this is the third match of the season and their second away game. The team needs to show consistency on the road to aim for ambitious targets. With the squad almost at full strength, aside from long-term absentees, the manager has all his tools available. Information on the team's status can be followed in our injuries section.
A positive result in San Sebastian would allow Espanyol to keep pace with the top spots before the international break. With 4 goals scored in two games, the white-and-blue attack has shown sharpness but will need to be effective against a defence seeking its first solidity of the campaign. Saturday's match will be a good test of the team's real potential in this 2026-27 season.
