Real Sociedad finished 7th in the league and reached the semifinals of the Copa del Rey.

Preparations for the Champions league play-off round were marked by the long-term injuries of Mikel González, Imanol Agirretxe and Diego Ifrán.

At the Stade Gerland, Real Sociedad inflicted the hosts a shock defeat with a 0–2 result.

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.

In the draw, they grouped with Manchester United, Shakhtar Donetsk and Bayer Leverkusen, the first two clubs being holding champions of their respective leagues.

The first two matches were fairly balanced, but late goals in both games meant being bottom right before a double confrontation with Manchester United.

[9] Thanks to being in the Champions League Real Sociedad entered the second pot in the Copa del Rey.

In the league Real Sociedad started slowly but stabilized in the sixth position in late November.

In March, the team's performances worsened drastically and the Basques unexpectedly lost to Rayo Vallecano at home (2–3) and Almería away (4–3).

Defeat to Villarreal on the last matchday meant Real Sociedad finished seventh and had to play third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League in July 2014.

This and the early preparations for the Champions League preliminary round were suggested to be behind the drop in stamina that happened from March onwards.

In November 2013, Real Sociedad and Kazakh club Astana signed a cooperation agreement.

[15][16] Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules; some limited exceptions apply.