The 2013–14 season was Real Sociedad's 67th season in La Liga. Real Sociedad finished 7th in the league and reached the semifinals of the Copa del Rey. The Basque failed to make it out of the group stages of the UEFA Champions League.

Philippe Montanier, who left for Rennes, was replaced by Jagoba Arrasate, his assistant manager. The club's pre-season was marked by the shock sale of Asier Illarramendi to Real Madrid. Real Sociedad lost the player that had been its most influential midfielder during the previous season. The club signed Haris Seferović,Esteban Granero and José Ángel on loan.

In the Champions League preliminary round draw, Real Sociedad were not seeded and were to face seeded opponents from Europe's biggest leagues. They were drawn against Lyon, with the second leg to be played in Anoeta. Preparations for the Champions league play-off round were marked by the long-term injuries of Mikel González, Imanol Agirretxe and Diego Ifrán.

Pre-season consisted of matches against lower division Basque clubs, Sporting CP and English clubs. These matches were disappointing for Real Sociedad in both results and quality of play.

The first official game of the season was played at home against Getafe. The Madrilians were easily beaten a few days before travelling to Lyon. At the Stade Gerland, Real Sociedad inflicted the hosts a shock defeat with a 0–2 result. After an unremarkable draw at Elche that weekend, Real Sociedad welcomed Lyon. Once again, the French were convincingly beaten with a 2–0 scoreline, thus securing progression to the 2013–14 Champions League group stage for the Basques.

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