Valencia is aiming to solidify Corberán’s project while Real Sociedad starts anew under Sergio Francisco, with both clubs hoping to begin the 2025-26 La Liga campaign on the front foot. For Valencia, Agirrezabala, Copete and Raba are set to start from the opening whistle.
The background patrol at the Valencia desk in AS Valencia reveals a club that has lived through a turbulent but hopeful transformation. After a difficult second half of last season, Corberán’s arrival has given the project a new backbone, and the team arrives at the new campaign with a sense that the first stone has been laid. Valencia has invested modestly in transfers this summer, bolstering positions that were previously a concern without appearing to overreach.
Real Sociedad, by contrast, enters the season with a fresh blueprint. The club explored continuity after Imanol’s departure by promoting Sergio Francisco from the youth ranks to lead the first team, looms as a near-complete reboot in practice. Yet the core remains intact: Mikel Oyarzabal, the finals’ king, continues to lead, even as Real Sociedad faces a summer without sweeping signings. Oyarzabal could even play as a pure striker given the lack of major new arrivals.
From Mestalla’s perspective, after years of uncertainty, there is a growing sense of possibility. Corberán’s project feels reinforced, and the arrival of Ron Gourlay—carrying a mix of light and shadow and arriving under Lim’s umbrella—at least brings a footballing figure with broad experience that the squad can respect. Gourlay’s presence also coincides with a resolution of the animosity surrounding the supporters’ section, meaning Mestalla is set to roar again in what could be its penultimate year as a stadium.
Today, Corberán will field his best available lineup. With Hugo Duro back from injury, only Agirrezabala in goal, Copete in central defense, and Raba in an advanced midfield role are confirmed new starters, cementing a foundation built on last season’s late resurgence.
Across the pitch, Real Sociedad welcome a familiar face in Gonçalo Guedes, who visits Mestalla for the first time but will start from the bench. Francisco will rely on the core from last season with Remiro in goal, Aramburu and Zubeldia in defense, and Brais Méndez, Kubo, and Oyarzabal providing creativity and width. The debate will center on whether the team deploys their No. 9 captain from the outset or gives a chance to Oskarsson, who could lead the line.
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Summary: Valencia and Real Sociedad kick off the 2025-26 season with renewed optimism. Valencia bets on Corberán’s project and a modest but solid transfer window, while Real Sociedad starts a near-reboot under Sergio Francisco. Key players such as Agirrezabala, Copete, Raba, Duro, Guedes, Remiro, Oyarzabal, and Kubo will shape early performances, with tactical questions around No. 9 versus Oskarsson lingering as the season opens. Positive outlook despite a few uncertain edges, and fans are encouraged to engage and follow the campaign.