{"match":{"id":733126,"locale":"en","date":"2026-03-22T00:00:00.000Z","status":"fixture","winner":null,"stb_id":"2026-03-22-00-00-00-villarreal-cf-vs-real-sociedad-de-futbol","score_a":0,"score_b":0,"broadcast_link":null,"after_broadcast_link":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"has_odds":null,"has_h2h":true,"has_overview":null,"has_statistics":false,"has_lineups":false,"has_predictions":null,"interesting_facts_team_a_html":null,"interesting_facts_team_b_html":null,"team_a":{"id":50424,"name":"Villarreal CF","short_name":"Villarreal","tla_name":"VIL","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Villarreal Club de Fútbol","founded":1923,"colors":"Yellow,Blue","nicknames":"El Submarino Amarillo","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:36:58.171Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T23:21:14.127Z","website":"http://www.villarrealcf.es","address":"Camino Miralcamp, s/n","address_city":"Villarreal","address_zip":"12540","locale":"en","stb_id":"villarreal-cf","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## \"Villarreal\": interesting facts about the football club\n\n**\"Villarreal\"** is a football club from the **small Spanish town of Villarreal** in **Valencia**. The team was founded in **1923**, but it was **really loudly** talked about only in **the last decade**.\n\nThis is an example of a club that **without high-profile transfers** and crazy popularity was able to **establish itself among the strongest teams** of Spain and Europe. They are used to **developing players** here, not buying ready-made stars. And this is **the peculiarity of the \"yellow submarine\"**.\n\n> \"Villarreal is proof that smart strategy and patience can beat any big budget.\"","sporting_achievements":"## History of \"Villarreal\"\n\n**The first half-century** the club played mainly in the **regional and lower Spanish divisions**. **\"Villarreal\"** was almost **unheard of outside the province**. Only in **1998** did the team enter **La Liga** for the first time, but were relegated after **one season**.\n\n**The return took place** already in **2000** — and from that time **another story** began. The club began to work for the result, but **in no hurry**. I bet on **stability**, on the search for **talented players**, and it produced its **effect**.\n\n**In the 2005/06** season, the team reached the **Champions League semi-finals** — **no one expected it**, but **\"Villarreal\"** already knew how to surprise. And in **2021** the club won the **Europa League**, beating **Manchester United** in the final.\n\n> \"It was the first major trophy in the history of the club - a well-deserved victory after many years of consistent work.\"","club_identity":"## Villarreal Stadium\n\nThe team plays its matches at the **Estadio de la Ceramica** — a **comfortable arena** that holds a little more than **23 thousand spectators**. It used to be called **El Madrigal**, but it was renamed in honor of **the main industry of the city** — **ceramics production**.\n\n**This stadium** is **not about luxury**, but **about emotion**. The stands here are **close to the field**, the atmosphere is **homey and hot**. The town is small, and when **Villarreal** plays at home, **the whole district goes to football**.\n\n## Achievements of \"Villarreal\"\n\nThe club **doesn't have the same trophy history** as the Spanish giants, but has achieved a lot in **recent years**:\n\n* **Europa League (2020/21)** — **first international trophy** in the history of the club.\n* **Champions League semi-finals (2005/06, 2021/22)** — **sensational performances** that made Europe **pay attention**.\n* **La Liga Silver (2007/08)** — **highest place** in the Spanish Championship.\n* **Victory over the European giants** — **\"Arsenal\", \"Bavaria\", \"Juventus\"** repeatedly left **with nothing**.\n\n> \"For a city with a population of only 50,000, this is a real football breakthrough.\"","current_status_and_future":"## Famous players of \"Villarreal\"\n\nThe club **did not buy famous names**, but often brought **future stars** to the world stage:\n\n1. **Riquelme** is a player who gave the team **style and fantasy** in the center of the field.\n\n2. **Forlan** — in **\"Villarreal\"** became **the best scorer in La Liga**.\n\n3. **Cazorla** is a symbol of **sophisticated football** and **loyalty to the club**.\n\n4. **Rossi** is a striker who remained a **fan favorite** for a long time.\n\n5. **Pau Torres** is a **student of the club** who became **the main player in the Spanish national team**.\n\n## Interesting facts about Villarreal\n\n1. **The city of Villarreal** is the **least in Europe** among the participants of the **Champions League semi-finals**.\n\n2. The club received the nickname \"yellow submarine\" for the color of the uniform and the non-standard style of play.\n\n3. **The stadium is named** in honor of the **ceramic industry** — **the main pride of the city**.\n\n4. **In 2012** the team was relegated to **Segunda**, but **returned the following season**.\n\n5. **The club bets** on **students** and **smart management** instead of **star transfers**.\n\n> \"Villarreal reminds us that true greatness is measured not by the size of the city, but by the size of dreams and ambitions.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Villarreal** has become a **model for clubs** from small towns around the world, proving that **smart planning** and **long-term strategy** can compete with **big budgets**. Will the team be able to **consolidate its position** among the **European elite**? One thing can be said for sure - the **spirit of \"Ceramika\"** and the **philosophy of the yellow submarine** make **\"Villarreal\"** a special place where **every player** has a **chance to become a hero** and **every victory** is a **triumph for the whole city**. This is a club that **proves** that in football the **most important thing** is to **believe in your abilities** and **never give up**, regardless of the size of the stadium or the budget.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe6-2611-7262-a715-453e0f755ce7","overrides":null,"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

\"Villarreal\": interesting facts about the football club

\"Villarreal\" is a football club from the small Spanish town of Villarreal in Valencia. The team was founded in 1923, but it was really loudly talked about only in the last decade.

This is an example of a club that without high-profile transfers and crazy popularity was able to establish itself among the strongest teams of Spain and Europe. They are used to developing players here, not buying ready-made stars. And this is the peculiarity of the \"yellow submarine\".

\n
\"Villarreal is proof that smart strategy and patience can beat any big budget.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of \"Villarreal\"

The first half-century the club played mainly in the regional and lower Spanish divisions. \"Villarreal\" was almost unheard of outside the province. Only in 1998 did the team enter La Liga for the first time, but were relegated after one season.

The return took place already in 2000 — and from that time another story began. The club began to work for the result, but in no hurry. I bet on stability, on the search for talented players, and it produced its effect.

In the 2005/06 season, the team reached the Champions League semi-finals — no one expected it, but \"Villarreal\" already knew how to surprise. And in 2021 the club won the Europa League, beating Manchester United in the final.

\n
\"It was the first major trophy in the history of the club - a well-deserved victory after many years of consistent work.\"
\n

\n","club_identity_html":"

Villarreal Stadium

The team plays its matches at the Estadio de la Ceramica — a comfortable arena that holds a little more than 23 thousand spectators. It used to be called El Madrigal, but it was renamed in honor of the main industry of the city — ceramics production.

This stadium is not about luxury, but about emotion. The stands here are close to the field, the atmosphere is homey and hot. The town is small, and when Villarreal plays at home, the whole district goes to football.

Achievements of \"Villarreal\"

The club doesn't have the same trophy history as the Spanish giants, but has achieved a lot in recent years:

Europa League (2020/21) — first international trophy in the history of the club.
Champions League semi-finals (2005/06, 2021/22) — sensational performances that made Europe pay attention.
La Liga Silver (2007/08) — highest place in the Spanish Championship.
Victory over the European giants — \"Arsenal\", \"Bavaria\", \"Juventus\" repeatedly left with nothing.

\n
\"For a city with a population of only 50,000, this is a real football breakthrough.\"
\n

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous players of \"Villarreal\"

The club did not buy famous names, but often brought future stars to the world stage:

Riquelme is a player who gave the team style and fantasy in the center of the field.
\n
Forlan — in \"Villarreal\" became the best scorer in La Liga.
\n
Cazorla is a symbol of sophisticated football and loyalty to the club.
\n
Rossi is a striker who remained a fan favorite for a long time.
\n
Pau Torres is a student of the club who became the main player in the Spanish national team.
\n

Interesting facts about Villarreal

The city of Villarreal is the least in Europe among the participants of the Champions League semi-finals.
\n
The club received the nickname \"yellow submarine\" for the color of the uniform and the non-standard style of play.
\n
The stadium is named in honor of the ceramic industry — the main pride of the city.
\n
In 2012 the team was relegated to Segunda, but returned the following season.
\n
The club bets on students and smart management instead of star transfers.
\n

\n
\"Villarreal reminds us that true greatness is measured not by the size of the city, but by the size of dreams and ambitions.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Villarreal has become a model for clubs from small towns around the world, proving that smart planning and long-term strategy can compete with big budgets. Will the team be able to consolidate its position among the European elite? One thing can be said for sure - the spirit of \"Ceramika\" and the philosophy of the yellow submarine make \"Villarreal\" a special place where every player has a chance to become a hero and every victory is a triumph for the whole city. This is a club that proves that in football the most important thing is to believe in your abilities and never give up, regardless of the size of the stadium or the budget.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/747_1486e5dc5f.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_747_1486e5dc5f.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_747_1486e5dc5f.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_747_1486e5dc5f.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_747_1486e5dc5f.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_747_1486e5dc5f.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_747_1486e5dc5f.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-3","hasUpcomingMatches":false}},"team_b":{"id":50280,"name":"Real Sociedad de Fútbol","short_name":"Real Sociedad","tla_name":"RSO","type":"club","gender":"male","status":"active","official_name":"Real Sociedad de Fútbol","founded":1903,"colors":"Blue,White","nicknames":"Txuriurdin,Erreala","createdAt":"2024-11-05T10:36:36.627Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-11T22:35:22.457Z","website":"http://www.realsociedad.com","address":"Anoeta Pasalekua, 1","address_city":"San Sebastián","address_zip":"20014","locale":"en","stb_id":"real-sociedad-de-futbol","tier":null,"description":null,"top_position":null,"history_and_foundation":"## About the club Real Sociedad\n\n**Real Sociedad** is a team that **doesn't try to be like everyone else**. Founded in **1909** in **San Sebastian**, this club has always been **unique**. He experienced **championship triumphs**, years in the **second division**, a return to the elite and again a **struggle for the top**.\n\nThis is a team that **bets on its own**, develops youth, **does not chase high-profile transfers**, but always remains **competitive**. In **La Liga**, it is not just a participant - it is a team that is **respected**.\n\n> \"Real Sociedad is proof that you can be successful in football by staying true to your principles.\"","sporting_achievements":"## History of Real Sociedad\n\nFootball in **San Sebastian** appeared at the beginning of the **XX century**, and already in **1909** the city got its own club - **Real Sociedad**. Its name means **\"Royal Society\"** because the team immediately received the **patronage of King Alfonso XIII**.\n\n**In the first decades** the club did not claim big victories, but was a **stable participant in La Liga**. And then came a **historical moment** – **1980s**. It was the **heyday of Basque football**: **Atlético and Real Sociedad** fought for the championship.\n\n> \"And it was Sociedad that became the champion of Spain twice in a row (1980/81, 1981/82), breaking the hegemony of the Madrid giants.\"\n\n**Those were the times** when the team relied only on **their pets** and showed all of Spain that it is possible to win **without star players**.\n\n**After that** harder times came. The club gradually lost positions, and in **2007** it was even relegated to **Segunda**. However, he returned after **three years** and **doesn't look back**.\n\n**New Golden Page** – **Cup of Spain 2020**. It was a **historic final** – a **Basque derby** against **Atlético**, postponed due to the pandemic. **Real Sociedad** won and showed that they are ready to **fight for trophies** again.","club_identity":"## Real Sociedad Stadium\n\nThe club's home arena is **\"Reale Arena\"** (better known as **\"Anoeta\")**, which holds more than **39 thousand spectators**. Opened in **1993**, it became a **real home** for the club.\n\n**Once she was criticized** - the stands were far from the field, the atmosphere was not felt. But after **reconstruction in 2019** everything changed. The stadium has become **modern, comfortable** and creates **real pressure on opponents**.\n\n## Achievements of Real Sociedad\n\nThe club did not win as much as the **La Liga giants**, but its victories were always **special**:\n\n* **Champion of Spain (2 times)** – **1980/81, 1981/82**.\n* **Spanish Cup (3 times)** – **1909, 1987, 2020**.\n* **Spanish Super Cup (1 time)** – **1982**.","current_status_and_future":"## Famous Real Sociedad players\n\n**Real Sociedad** has always **bet on its own**, and that is why **a lot of legends** have grown up here:\n\n1. **Javier Subisarreta** is one of the **best goalkeepers** in the history of Spanish football.\n\n2. **Luis Arconada** – **a symbol of the championship years**, a goalkeeper who worked wonders in the **80s**.\n\n3. **Alberto Gordon** – the man who was **the engine of that championship team**.\n\n4. **Antoine Griezmann** is the **best example** of how the club educates **stars for world football**.\n\n5. **Mikel Oyarsabal** is a modern captain who is **loyal to the club** and leads it to **new heights**.\n\n## Interesting facts about Real Sociedad\n\n* **One of the few clubs** that for a long time played only **their students** – until **1989** exclusively **Basques** played here.\n\n* **The team that forced La Liga to change the rules** – because of it **the playoffs for the championship** were introduced in the **80s**.\n\n* **Griezmann revealed himself here**, not in France – the future star was **not taken by French clubs**, but his talent was seen in **San Sebastian**.\n\n* The **Basque derby** is one of the **hottest in Spain** – the confrontation with **Atlético** is always full of **emotions**.\n\n* **One of the oldest clubs in La Liga** - more than **100 years of football** at the highest level.\n\n> \"Real Sociedad reminds us that true greatness is not in the amount of money, but in the ability to preserve traditions and nurture talent.\"\n\n**It is worth noting** that **Real Sociedad** remains a **unique example** of how a club can **prosper** while remaining **true to its principles**. Will the team be able to **repeat the championship success of the 80s**? One thing is certain — the **spirit of Real Arena** and the **Basque traditions** make **Real Sociedad** a special place where **young talents** get a **real chance** and **football philosophy** is valued **higher than commercial success**. This is a club that **proves** that in modern football you can still **be yourself** and at the same time **achieve great results**.","stb_internal_id":"0192fbe5-cfc0-7e87-b7de-a1f07a6ceee2","overrides":{"name":"Real Sociedad de Fútbol"},"has_social_media_links":true,"has_social_media_relations":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":true,"has_article_relations":false,"history_and_foundation_html":"

About the club Real Sociedad

Real Sociedad is a team that doesn't try to be like everyone else. Founded in 1909 in San Sebastian, this club has always been unique. He experienced championship triumphs, years in the second division, a return to the elite and again a struggle for the top.

This is a team that bets on its own, develops youth, does not chase high-profile transfers, but always remains competitive. In La Liga, it is not just a participant - it is a team that is respected.

\n
\"Real Sociedad is proof that you can be successful in football by staying true to your principles.\"
\n

\n","sporting_achievements_html":"

History of Real Sociedad

Football in San Sebastian appeared at the beginning of the XX century, and already in 1909 the city got its own club - Real Sociedad. Its name means \"Royal Society\" because the team immediately received the patronage of King Alfonso XIII.

In the first decades the club did not claim big victories, but was a stable participant in La Liga. And then came a historical moment – 1980s. It was the heyday of Basque football: Atlético and Real Sociedad fought for the championship.

\n
\"And it was Sociedad that became the champion of Spain twice in a row (1980/81, 1981/82), breaking the hegemony of the Madrid giants.\"
\n

Those were the times when the team relied only on their pets and showed all of Spain that it is possible to win without star players.

After that harder times came. The club gradually lost positions, and in 2007 it was even relegated to Segunda. However, he returned after three years and doesn't look back.

New Golden Page – Cup of Spain 2020. It was a historic final – a Basque derby against Atlético, postponed due to the pandemic. Real Sociedad won and showed that they are ready to fight for trophies again.

\n","club_identity_html":"

Real Sociedad Stadium

The club's home arena is \"Reale Arena\" (better known as \"Anoeta\"), which holds more than 39 thousand spectators. Opened in 1993, it became a real home for the club.

Once she was criticized - the stands were far from the field, the atmosphere was not felt. But after reconstruction in 2019 everything changed. The stadium has become modern, comfortable and creates real pressure on opponents.

Achievements of Real Sociedad

The club did not win as much as the La Liga giants, but its victories were always special:

Champion of Spain (2 times) – 1980/81, 1981/82.
Spanish Cup (3 times) – 1909, 1987, 2020.
Spanish Super Cup (1 time) – 1982.

\n","current_status_and_future_html":"

Famous Real Sociedad players

Real Sociedad has always bet on its own, and that is why a lot of legends have grown up here:

Javier Subisarreta is one of the best goalkeepers in the history of Spanish football.
\n
Luis Arconada – a symbol of the championship years, a goalkeeper who worked wonders in the 80s.
\n
Alberto Gordon – the man who was the engine of that championship team.
\n
Antoine Griezmann is the best example of how the club educates stars for world football.
\n
Mikel Oyarsabal is a modern captain who is loyal to the club and leads it to new heights.
\n

Interesting facts about Real Sociedad

One of the few clubs that for a long time played only their students – until 1989 exclusively Basques played here.
\n
The team that forced La Liga to change the rules – because of it the playoffs for the championship were introduced in the 80s.
\n
Griezmann revealed himself here, not in France – the future star was not taken by French clubs, but his talent was seen in San Sebastian.
\n
The Basque derby is one of the hottest in Spain – the confrontation with Atlético is always full of emotions.
\n
One of the oldest clubs in La Liga - more than 100 years of football at the highest level.
\n

\n
\"Real Sociedad reminds us that true greatness is not in the amount of money, but in the ability to preserve traditions and nurture talent.\"
\n

It is worth noting that Real Sociedad remains a unique example of how a club can prosper while remaining true to its principles. Will the team be able to repeat the championship success of the 80s? One thing is certain — the spirit of Real Arena and the Basque traditions make Real Sociedad a special place where young talents get a real chance and football philosophy is valued higher than commercial success. This is a club that proves that in modern football you can still be yourself and at the same time achieve great results.

\n","logo":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/734_8fcb58bacd.png","mime":"image/png","caption":null,"formats":{"large_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_avif_734_8fcb58bacd.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"large_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/large_webp_734_8fcb58bacd.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"small_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_avif_734_8fcb58bacd.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"small_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/small_webp_734_8fcb58bacd.webp","mime":"image/webp"},"medium_avif":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_avif_734_8fcb58bacd.avif","mime":"image/avif"},"medium_webp":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/877/879/medium_webp_734_8fcb58bacd.webp","mime":"image/webp"}}},"current_season":{"stb_id":"2025-2026-15","hasUpcomingMatches":false}},"round":{"id":24590,"name":"Regular Season","type":"table","start_date":"2025-08-16T00:00:00.000Z","end_date":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","createdAt":"2025-07-01T23:30:06.542Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-14T17:00:30.290Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0197c853-850c-75b2-81fc-3758cbd7d81c","overrides":null,"season":{"id":13130,"title":"2025/2026","original_name":"La Liga EA Sports","start_date":"2025-08-16","end_date":"2026-05-24","createdAt":"2025-07-01T23:30:02.180Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-14T17:00:26.693Z","locale":"en","stb_id":"2025-2026-15","stb_internal_id":"0197c853-732d-787a-b7ac-0bbb516f7506","overrides":null,"has_standings":true,"hasUpcomingMatches":true}},"broadcast_preview":null,"venue":{"id":8979,"name":"Estadio de la Cerámica","city":"Villarreal","address":"Plaza Labrador","address_zip":"12540","opened":1923,"status":"open","nicknames":"Feudo Amarillo,Campo del Villarreal,Camp El Madrigal","geo_latitude":39.9441191808336,"capacity":24500,"surface":"grass","createdAt":"2024-11-04T13:41:37.463Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:40:48.135Z","geo_longitude":-0.10347425937652588,"locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f768-daf1-7cbc-9d59-d6fb14009f25","overrides":null,"area":{"id":10850,"name":"Spain","country_code":"ESP","iso_code":"ES","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:01:27.352Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:39.170Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70d-26b5-7028-974f-d08ae0605e02","overrides":null}}},"league":{"name":"La Liga","icon":{"url":"https://media.top2u.io/497/Laliga_1_259bf36341.svg"},"current_season":{"id":13130,"title":"2025/2026","original_name":"La Liga EA Sports","start_date":"2025-08-16","end_date":"2026-05-24","createdAt":"2025-07-01T23:30:02.180Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-14T17:00:26.693Z","locale":"en","stb_id":"2025-2026-15","stb_internal_id":"0197c853-732d-787a-b7ac-0bbb516f7506","overrides":null,"has_standings":true,"hasUpcomingMatches":true},"imgUrl":"https://media.top2u.io/497/Laliga_1_259bf36341.svg","area":{"id":10850,"name":"Spain","country_code":"ESP","iso_code":"ES","createdAt":"2024-11-04T12:01:27.352Z","updatedAt":"2025-06-10T06:27:39.170Z","locale":"en","stb_internal_id":"0192f70d-26b5-7028-974f-d08ae0605e02","overrides":null},"stb_id":"primera-division"}}

Villarreal vs Real Sociedad: General