Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad: Basque pride, historic triumphs.
Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D., commonly known as La Real or Real Sociedad ( ; Royal Society) in English and Erreala or Reala in Basque, is a Spanish professional sports club based in the city of San Sebastián, Basque Country. The club was founded on 7 September 1909 and is best known for its football team, which plays home matches at the 40,000-capacity Anoeta Stadium.
Quick Facts
- Full name
- Real Sociedad de Fútbol, S.A.D.
- Nickname
- Txuri-Urdin (The White-and-Blues)
- La Real
- Reala
- Erreala
- Founded
- 7 September 1909 as Sociedad de Foot-Ball de San Sebastián
- Stadium
- Reale Arena
- Capacity
- 40,000
- Chairman
- Jokin Aperribay
- Manager
- Pellegrino Matarazzo
- Position
- Real Sociedad3
Lore & Background
Real Sociedad won the Liga title in 1980–81 and 1981–82, and finished runner-up in 1979–80, 1987–88, and 2002–03. The club has also won the Copa del Rey four times, in 1909, 1987, 2020, and 2026, and the Spanish Super Cup once, in 1982. It contests the Basque derby against rivals Athletic Bilbao. Real Sociedad was a founding member of La Liga in 1929; its longest spell in the top flight was for 40 seasons, from 1967 to 2007.
The club has competed in the European Cup / UEFA Champions League five times, between the 1981–82 and 2023–24 editions. Traditionally the club followed a policy (similar to that of its rival Athletic) of signing only Basque players, before signing Republic of Ireland forward John Aldridge in 1989. While a strong Basque contingent has been retained among its players, nowadays both non-Basque Spaniards and foreign players are represented at the club.
Its youth academy subsequent to the all-Basque era has still been very successful in developing internationally renowned players, including World Cup winners Xabi Alonso, Antoine Griezmann, Mikel Oyarzabal and Martin Zubimendi. Aside from football (including a women's team), Real Sociedad also has several sections in athletics, including track and field, field hockey, and basque pelota.
Reader's Guide
Real Sociedad won its first ever Primera División title at the end of the 1980–81 season, denying Real Madrid a fourth-consecutive title because although both clubs earned 45 points and Madrid had the superior goal difference Sociedad were better in the head-to-heads. On 11 March 1987, Real Sociedad set a record for most goals in a quarter-final of the Copa del Rey after defeating Mallorca 10–1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this rivalry matter culturally?
The clash pits the monarchical history of the Whites against the distinct Basque nationalism and Cantera philosophy of La Real. Fans view these games as a battle between different cultural souls within Spain.
When did Sociedad nearly win the league over Madrid?
In the 1979–80 season, Sociedad finished second in the title race while Real Madrid secured the championship that year. This specific campaign highlighted their ability to compete directly for La Liga supremacy.
Where do these teams play each other?
Matches take place at either the Santiago Bernabéu or the Anoeta Stadium depending on which team holds home advantage. These venues serve as critical battlegrounds during key moments of the season.
What is a notable recent achievement for Real Sociedad?
The club reached the 2020 Copa del Rey final, where they were defeated in their bid for silverware. Despite this loss, they remain a consistent force capable of challenging Madrid for top honors.
More in Great Rivalries & Derbies
Elsewhere in Real Madrid
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced