Real Sociedad II vs Mallorca - Segunda División

The history between Real Sociedad II and Mallorca lends this Segunda División fixture an extra layer of spice, and when the two walk out at the home ground on September 19, 2026, recent encounters will be on everyone's mind. The 74-year-old Hoops boss admitted that "it'll be a bit strange not having the (Celtic) fans in but I'm nervously and excitedly looking forward to it; it's a great fixture" and also spoke about the police visit.

Real Sociedad II head into the contest positioned 9th in the Segunda División standings, while Mallorca arrive sitting 3rd. It has been a solid if unspectacular run for the hosts — W across their last five with a win rate of 40% — and they will want to push on from here. Mallorca are brimming with belief on the road, their WDWLW run reflecting a season win rate of 60%. One side has leaned on a miserly defence, the other on a free-scoring attack, and the meeting of those contrasting strengths promises an intriguing tactical subtext. The promoted side have plans to strengthen in every position, with midfield the priority.

Set-piece efficiency and transition play often decide fixtures of this nature, and both managers will have been drilling those phases on the training ground. Schalke had only 17 per cent of the possession but, having visited the club to interview their charismatic coach Miron Muslic, that is hardly a surprise.

All eyes will be on the league's leading marksman Enric Gallego, whose 4 goals this season make him the standout threat and a player capable of deciding the outcome on his own. The battle in midfield, where both sides look to control tempo, could prove the decisive arena. Arsenal and Manchester United are interested in Kaua Elias(Image: Getty Images) United director of recruitment Christopher Vivell is one of the names who put Manu Kone forward as a target, according to Ben Jacobs.

The market has yet to form a strong view, and the contest looks genuinely difficult to call. On balance, Mallorca may just have enough to take all three points. A 2-3 away win would not be a shock. Whatever the outcome, the Segunda División fixture promises a meaningful contest with real implications for both clubs. Premier League chief executive Richard Masters says a verdict on the alleged charges against Manchester City "has taken longer than expected".