Real Sociedad occupy fifth place in the Spanish La Liga table with 19 points from 11 matches, while Rayo Vallecano sit 14th on 12 points from 10 games, according to the standings published by the BBC on Sunday 8 November 2026. The two clubs meet that day, with the broadcaster listing both starting line-ups and substitutes.
The table was last updated at 14:26 on 8 November, per the BBC. Fifth place carries a UEFA Europa League spot this season, while the bottom three positions lead to relegation.
Why it matters
The gap between the sides is seven points, but Rayo have played one game fewer than their hosts. A win for the visitors would narrow that margin to four with a match still in hand, keeping them in touch with the cluster of clubs bunched in mid-table. For Real Sociedad, three points would strengthen their hold on the European places at a stage of the season when the top four are already pulling clear.
Barcelona lead the division with 30 points from 11 games, having won 10 and lost one. Real Madrid are second on 30 points from 12 matches, with Atlético Madrid third on 28 from 11. Real Betis are fourth on 24 points from 12 games, three clear of Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad's mixed run
Real Sociedad's record reads six wins, one draw and four defeats, with 20 goals scored and 20 conceded — a goal difference of zero. Their last six results, listed oldest first by the BBC, run loss, win, win, win, win, loss.
Igor Zubeldia captains the side and starts in defence alongside Jon Martín, Aihen Muñoz and J. Aramburu. Álex Remiro begins in goal. The midfield comprises Ander Barrenetxea, Carlos Soler, Beñat Turrientes and L. Sučić, with O. Óskarsson and T. Kubo leading the attack.
Among the substitutes available to the home side are goalkeepers Luken Beitia and Unai Marrero, defenders Héctor Fort, Jon Pacheco and J. Ochieng, midfielders Jon Gorrotxategi, Sergio Gómez, Y. Herrera, Pablo Marín and A. Zakharyan, forward Gonçalo Guedes and Gorka Carrera.
Rayo Vallecano's position and line-up
Rayo Vallecano have three wins, three draws and four losses from 10 matches, scoring 15 and conceding 20 for a goal difference of minus five. Their six most recent results, oldest first, are loss, win, draw, draw, loss, win.
Beñat San José manages the visitors. E. Audero starts in goal behind a back line of Adrià Pedrosa, Mujaid Sadick, F. Lejeune and A. Rațiu. Unai López captains the team in midfield alongside P. Ciss and Pedro Díaz, with G. Tsitaishvili, Sergio Camello and Jorge de Frutos forming the front three.
The away bench includes goalkeepers Dani Cárdenas and J. Vertrouwd, defenders I. Balliu, Rayane Belaid, Pelayo Fernández and Marco de las Sías, midfielders Gnangoro, Isi Palazón and Fran Pérez, and forwards Randy Nteka and Alemão.
A crowded middle of the table
Rayo's 12 points place them level with four other clubs — Villarreal, Celta Vigo, Espanyol and Getafe — though the standings separate them on goal difference and matches played. Villarreal and Celta have each played 11 games, Espanyol 12 and Getafe 11, while Rayo have featured 10 times.
Below that group, Osasuna also hold 12 points from 12 matches, with Elche on 11, Levante on 10 and Valencia on nine. Málaga are bottom with five points from 12 games, having drawn five and lost seven without a win.
At the top, Barcelona's 46 goals scored are the most in the division by a wide margin, while their 12 conceded are bettered only by Real Madrid's 10 and Atlético's eight. Real Madrid have drawn none of their 12 matches, winning 10 and losing two.
The BBC's table marks positions one to four as UEFA Champions League places, fifth as a Europa League berth and sixth as entry to the Conference League qualifiers.
What to watch
The result at Real Sociedad will show whether the hosts can keep pace with Betis above them or whether Rayo can close the gap on the mid-table pack with a game still in hand. The BBC's table will be updated after the match.
