---
title: "Four things learnt from Aston Villa’s 4-2 Real Sociedad defeat"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2026/07/29/four-things-learnt-from-aston-villas-4-2-real-sociedad-defeat/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2026-07-29T19:00:00Z"
modified: "2026-09-03T11:37:46Z"
---

# Four things learnt from Aston Villa’s 4-2 Real Sociedad defeat

**Aston Villa suffered a second successive pre-season defeat as Real Sociedad secured a 4-2 victory at the Pallet-Track Bescot Stadium.**

George Hemmings and Brian Madjo scored for an experimental Villa side containing several academy players. However, Real Sociedad took control during the second half and punished gaps in Unai Emery’s young team.

The [official Aston Villa match report](https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2026/july/28/report-aston-villa-2-4-real-sociedad/) confirmed Carlos Soler, Orri Óskarsson, Gorka Carrera and Iñaki Rupérez as the visitors’ scorers.

Results remain secondary during pre-season, particularly with several senior internationals unavailable. However, the Aston Villa Real Sociedad defeat provided Emery with several important lessons before the squad travels to Asia.

> Thank you for your support tonight, Villans 👏\
> \
> Next stop: Indonesia 🇮🇩 [pic.twitter.com/IPYXudAwKS](https://t.co/IPYXudAwKS)
>
> — Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/AVFCOfficial/status/2082198997209354295?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

## Four things learnt from the Aston Villa Real Sociedad defeat

### 1. George Hemmings can influence senior matches

Hemmings produced the best moment of Villa’s first-half performance when he opened the scoring after 14 minutes.

Ian Maatsen carried possession forward before finding the midfielder, who curled a composed finish beyond Álex Remiro. It was a confident strike from a player becoming increasingly comfortable around Emery’s senior squad.

West Brom are reportedly considering a temporary move for the 19-year-old. However, Villa have no intention of approving a permanent departure, as explained in [ReadAstonVilla’s latest George Hemmings transfer update](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/07/28/west-brom-want-to-sign-aston-villa-midfielder-on-loan/).

Regular Championship football could support his development, but Hemmings has demonstrated that he can contribute during Villa’s remaining friendlies.

### 2. Brian Madjo is becoming difficult to overlook

Madjo continued his excellent pre-season by scoring Villa’s second goal shortly after Real Sociedad moved 2-1 ahead.

Emi Buendía helped create the opening before the forward converted from close range. Madjo has now scored three times during pre-season after also finding the net twice against Walsall.

The 17-year-old still requires time and careful management. Nevertheless, his movement inside the penalty area has repeatedly placed him in scoring positions.

Both Madjo and Hemmings strengthened their reputations during the defeat, with [Villa’s academy players offering encouragement](https://readastonvilla.com/2026/07/29/aston-villa-youngsters-offer-glimpse-of-future-despite-real-sociedad-defeat/) despite the final score.

### 3. Villa’s youngsters need experienced support

Emery’s team contained several inexperienced players because many established internationals remained unavailable.

The academy players competed well during the opening hour and twice found a way past strong opposition. Villa were level at half-time and responded quickly after Óskarsson put Real Sociedad ahead.

However, the visitors gained control as the match progressed. Villa struggled to retain possession for sustained periods and became increasingly stretched when Sociedad attacked through midfield.

Those problems should ease when Emery restores more senior players. The friendly demonstrated the value of Villa’s academy, but also highlighted the importance of surrounding young talent with experience.

### 4. Defensive control must improve before the season starts

Villa conceded three times during the second half, with Carrera restoring Sociedad’s advantage before Rupérez completed the scoring.

The hosts left too much space between midfield and defence when possession changed hands. Real Sociedad attacked those areas quickly and created several dangerous situations around Marco Bizot’s penalty area.

Spanish newspaper [AS described Sociedad’s attacking display as powerful](https://as.com/futbol/primera/la-real-sociedad-exhibe-musculo-ofensivo-y-supera-al-aston-villa-f202607-n/), with Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side producing an impressive second-half performance.

Emery will not read too much into an experimental friendly. However, Villa have now conceded six goals across defeats against Porto and Real Sociedad.

Greater midfield control and stronger defensive organisation will be required when more established opponents arrive. The upcoming Asia tour should give Emery further opportunities to address those weaknesses.