Real Sociedad will aim to launch their 2024-25 La Liga season on a high when they host Rayo Vallecano at Anoeta Stadium.

Real Sociedad fell short of consecutive top-four finishes in La Liga last season but still achieved a solid sixth-place finish and advanced to the Champions League Round of 16. They will focus on the Europa League this term, starting with their opening La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano, followed by matches against Espanyol (away) and Alaves (home) later in the month.

This summer, Real Sociedad has strengthened their squad with Luka Sucic, Sergio Gomez, and Javi Lopez, though they lost Robin Le Normand to Atletico Madrid. They managed to retain Martin Zubimendi, who recently rejected a move to Liverpool, while Mikel Merino’s future remains uncertain, potentially leading to more transfers before the window closes. The squad looks capable of challenging for another European spot.

Rayo Vallecano, embarking on their fourth consecutive La Liga season, narrowly avoided relegation last term, finishing 17th. They have enhanced their squad with new signings like Pedro Diaz, Pelayo Fernandez, Gerard Gumbau, and Adri Embarba, though notable departures include Andres Martin, Stole Dimitrievski, Radamel Falcao, and Jose Pozo.

Despite holding Real Sociedad to draws in both league encounters last season, Rayo Vallecano hasn't defeated them in La Liga since January 2015. Last season, Rayo secured a respectable 18 points away, while Real Sociedad had the eighth-best home record with 30 points from 19 matches.

Prediction:  Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad vs Rayo Vallecano stream and TV listing

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