**Köln's firing on all cylinders in pre-season, but Real Sociedad are here to spoil the party.** 🔥 Expect a proper test between a German side riding momentum and a La Liga outfit still finding their feet.

Köln have been ruthless in friendlies — that 8-0 demolition speaks volumes — while Sociedad are mixing shaky results (losses to Toulouse and recent others) with the occasional spark. Home advantage could tip the scales for the Rhinelanders, but Sociedad's quality is never in doubt.

Key storylines:

- **R. Ache** leads the line for Köln and will fancy his chances against a **Sociedad** defense adjusting without **Á. Odriozola**
- **M. Oyarzabal** and **L. Sučić** need to impose themselves in midfield to unlock Köln's backline
- Köln's killer instinct in the final third — proven by those recent scorelines — vs Sociedad's patchy form

Expected lineups:

- **1. FC Köln**: M. Schwäbe, S. Sebulonsen, J. Simpson-Pusey, J. Schmied, R. v. d. Berg, S. El Mala, Í. B. Jóhannesson, L. Waldschmidt, A. Castro-Montes, M. Bülter, R. Ache
- **Real Sociedad**: Á. Remiro, S. Gómez, J. Martin, J. Aramburu, A. Elustondo, B. Turrientes, J. Gorrotxategi, M. Oyarzabal, L. Sučić, O. S. Óskarsson, M. Goti

Prediction:

**Köln 3-1 Sociedad.** Home form and pre-season sharpness give the hosts a slight edge. 🎯