Real Sociedad announced the starting lineup for the Spanish La Liga clash against Las Palmas, marking the third round of the season. The lineup release set the stage for a pivotal early-season test as the team aimed to build momentum after a cautious start to the campaign. The squad sheet highlighted several familiar faces and signings, with coaching staff signaling a tactical approach intended to sharpen the side’s balance at both ends of the pitch.
Russian midfielder Arsen Zakharyan remained among the substitutes as the match approached, with the club planning to deploy him from the bench if needed. The kickoff was scheduled for today, August 25, with the whistle at 20:30 Moscow time, a timeslot that underscored the club’s efforts to align operations with European viewing windows and fan engagement across multiple time zones. This planning reflects the broader strategy of integrating new arrivals into matchday routines while maintaining continuity for the core group.
Real Sociedad stood in 13th place in the La Liga table, having accumulated two points from early fixtures, while Las Palmas sat two spots below in 14th with a single point. The early table picture hinted at a tight early-season narrative where every result would matter as both sides sought to establish form, confidence, and cohesion ahead of a demanding schedule. The encounter carried significance for both clubs in their bid to climb the standings and set a positive tone for the autumnm months ahead.
On August 19, the club confirmed the transfer of Arsen Zakharyan from Dynamo Moscow, with a contract running through June 2029. The 20-year-old midfielder had already featured for Sociedad in the league, contributing to a 1-1 draw with Celta in his team’s most recent league appearance. The move added a new dynamic to the squad, bringing fresh creativity and a different midfield balance that fans hoped would translate into increased goal threat and build-up play in the coming weeks.
In his early Russian Premier League appearances this season, Zakharyan had already shown glimpses of his potential, recording a goal and an assist across three appearances. Those early contributions suggested the youngster could become an asset for Real Sociedad as he acclimates to Spanish football, adapts to a higher pace and tactical variety, and develops chemistry with teammates. The coaching staff has emphasized patience and progressive integration, aiming to maximize his impact without overwhelming the player during the adaptation period.
Former Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil had previously spoken about Zakharyan’s prospects, highlighting the midfielder’s technical ability, vision, and willingness to press when the team does not have the ball. Such praise underscored the club’s belief that the talent could flourish within Sociedad’s system, provided he receives the right guidance, playing time, and support from teammates during the transition. The broader evaluation suggested a potential long-term fit that could align with the club’s ambitions in domestic and European competition. [citation: club communications]