Real Sociedad drop to 20th after Lyon draw, face uphill fight for top eight

What happened

Real Sociedad's draw at Anoeta against Olympique Lyon dropped the Basque side from 14th to 20th in the standings, according to MARCA, leaving a dozen clubs between them and the top eight with four matchdays remaining. The report notes that eighth place is only two points away, with 12 points still available.

Report details

MARCA frames the Lyon result as costly: had Real Sociedad won, the outlet estimates they could now be closing on the top eight or at least in the group of six teams on seven points that occupies that position, a group that includes the French club. Instead, the seventh-placed side, Bayer Leverkusen, is already four points clear, while Juventus, Olympiacos and Union Saint-Gilloise hold a five-point margin. MARCA adds that Real Sociedad drew away to Union Saint-Gilloise earlier in the campaign, a result the outlet suggests was not as significant as it appeared. Benfica, Bournemouth and Ferencvaros have won all 12 points available and are well placed to stay among the leaders.

Given that table, MARCA describes the next matchday, away to 21st-placed Crystal Palace in London, as decisive for Real Sociedad's ambitions. The report says the club then hosts Torreense, one place above them, and Viktoria Plzen, currently 30th, and is obliged to take six points from those games before a final matchday away to Juventus could decide whether they reach the top eight.