Leeds United face Spanish opposition for a second match running on Friday evening, when they take on Real Sociedad at Elland Road.
The Whites face a La Liga side again, after previously overcoming Elche CF last week away from home, winning the clash 2-1 courtesy of a late Mateusz Klich strike.
Coming into this one, Jesse Marsch’s side face another tough test with Sociedad sitting third in the league table, only behind giants Real Madrid and Barcelona, as they continue to fight for European football next season.
The two teams have met before, stretching back over 40 years ago! A friendly in August 1980 saw Leeds win 2-0, courtesy of goals from Terry Connor and Arthur Graham. The game was played in Bayenne, France.
At the helm for Friday’s visitors is former player and now manager, Imanol Alguacil. The 51-year-old has been in charge of the first team since 2018/19, after stepping up from managing the youth teams at the club in previous years.
Sociedad are making their third trip to English soil this season. A 2-1 win against AFC Bournemouth in a friendly way back in July was their first visit, before another win followed six weeks later at Old Trafford, in a 1-0 Europa League success.
Facing a familiar opponent, Spanish striker Rodrigo will be looking to continue with his fine form prior to the break for the World Cup. United’s striker has scored nine goals in 13 Premier League games this season, including four in his last four.
Topping the scoring charts for the visitors is Brais Mendez. The 25-year-old forward has scored eight times this season across all competitions, including in the Europa League as his side qualified first in their group to qualify for the knock-out stages.
The Whites will have one more friendly against AS Monaco after this one, before returning to Premier League action against Manchester City on December 28th.
For Real Sociedad, this is their last friendly before competitive action returns. They face Coria, in the Copa del Rey next week, then their next league opponents are Osasuna on New Year’s Eve.
Tickets news:
Fans wishing to attend the match can still do so! Tickets are still available for Friday night’s match, by clicking the link below.
CLICK HERE TO BUY TICKETS
How to watch:
If you are unable to attend the game, you can watch live on LUTV. Alternatively, you can read updates throughout the match on leedsunited.com, with a report and reaction to follow after the full time whistle.
