In the electrifying landscape of the Tercera División RFEF Group 4, a seismic clash looms large on January 18, 2026, as Real Sociedad III-sitting comfortably in fourth place with 28 points-plays host to the beleaguered Eibar III, languishing at the bottom of the table with only 15 points. The stakes could not be higher: for Sociedad, it's about fortifying their top-four position and cementing a shot at promotion; for Eibar, it's a desperate scramble to avoid relegation. With each passing game day, Eibar's hope slips further away-will they find an antidote for their grim form against a team they've already bested this season?
Let's dissect the recent performances of both squads. Real Sociedad III enters this contest riding a mixed wave: while they scored two wins in their last five outings-including a tactical masterclass that resulted in a vital 2-0 victory over Aretxabaleta-they stuttered against Añorga in their latest match, falling 0-2 at home. This inconsistency is alarming for a side eyeing promotion but still represents far greater stability than what Eibar has managed.
Eibar III, meanwhile, pulled off a surprising yet spirited comeback last week by beating Pasaia KE 2-1. But don't be fooled! That victory is barely enough to mask their wretched run of form-four losses and just one draw from their last five matches paint them as one of the league's worst performers. The sheer number of goals they've conceded (11 in that same stretch) shows that defensive frailty is perhaps Eibar's most glaring issue heading into this match.
Now let's delve deeper into what those numbers really tell us about this upcoming clash. Real Sociedad III boasts more than just relative stability; they have executed solid offensive tactics that netted them six goals across five matches-a commendable feat given the backdrop of heightened pressure. The team exhibits decent possession stats but often fails to convert chances into goals consistently. Against lower-tier teams like Eibar, however, this might not prove fatal.
Conversely, Eibar III needs to start scoring more aggressively to avoid being overwhelmed by opposing attacks-but therein lies the rub: they have managed just four goals over their last five games. That pitiful ratio exposes tactical deficiencies as well as disorganization within the ranks. In terms of expected goals (xG), Eibar languishes near the bottom among all teams in Group 4; they simply aren't creating meaningful opportunities anymore.
Who should we keep our eyes on? For Real Sociedad III, look no further than Jakes Gorosabel-a dynamo on offense who netted twice during December's fixtures alone and proved instrumental in key moments with late equalizers and decisive strikes alike. If he can get his teammates involved early and often, we may see Sociedad break through Eibar's beleaguered defense like it was made of wet tissue paper.
On the flip side, can Eibar find any savior amid these dire circumstances? They'll rely heavily on young talents like Alberto Villalba and his ability to create space where none exists-as he showed briefly against Pasaia KE with his pacey runs down the flank leading to goal-scoring chances. If he can manage that same level of intensity while navigating through an organized Sociedad backline, anything might happen.
When examining head-to-head matchups between these two teams in recent history, there's ample reason for concern for Real Sociedad fans despite their ranking advantage: they fell victim earlier this season when Eibar secured an unexpected 2-1 win back on September 7th-a reminder that momentum can shift dramatically at this level.
Now let's cut through all speculation and declare unequivocally: this match will end in favor of Real Sociedad III, but it will NOT be a cakewalk! Expect final scores hanging around a nail-biting margin such as 1-0 or possibly even creeping up to 2-1 depending on how well each side converts its chances or fails miserably doing so! Ultimately though, expect Eibar to put up a resolute fight only to succumb under pressure from an assertive Sociedad pushing hard for victory.
With relegation looming ever larger over Eibar's prospects-losing here would feel catastrophic-the urge will be palpable to salvage dignity if nothing else; nevertheless prepare for Real Sociedad III's resilience coupled with that playoff push mindset leading them towards crucial three points on home turf!