Real Madrid Clash with Real Sociedad: Bold Predictions, Key Battles and Starting XI Revealed
Real Madrid have an opportunity to claim the summit of La Liga this Saturday evening, though they must defeat one of Europe's most impressive sides in Real Sociedad to achieve this goal.
Following criticism over their loss in Lisbon and a lackluster victory against Rayo Vallecano, Álvaro Arbeloa's squad bounced back with a comfortable win over Valencia last weekend. Given Madrid's historical struggles at the Mestalla, Arbeloa must have been delighted to handle that challenging away fixture with relative ease.
Currently, Los Blancos are positioned to capitalize on an emerging opportunity. Barcelona's crushing defeat to Atlético Madrid in the Copa del Rey raises concerns about a potential meltdown in Catalonia, and Madrid, trailing by just one point at the top, are perfectly placed to strike.
Nevertheless, Pellegrino Matarazzo's Sociedad could present Arbeloa's most challenging examination to date. Since making history as the first American coach in La Liga, Matarazzo has guided Sociedad through an impressive nine-match unbeaten streak. Under his leadership, they're collecting 2.3 points per match on average, propelling them to eighth place. Their 1–0 victory over Basque neighbors Athletic Club midweek also positions them within reach of the Copa del Rey final.
This energetic, rapid, and entertaining Sociedad squad promises an exciting encounter at the Bernabéu.
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Kick Off?
What Time Does Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Kick Off?
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Madrid (WWLWW) | Real Sociedad (LLLWW) |
|---|---|
Valencia 0–2 Real Madrid | Athletic Club 0–1 Real Sociedad |
Real Madrid 2–1 Rayo Vallecano | Real Sociedad 3–1 Elche |
Benfica 4–2 Real Madrid | Alavés 2–3 Real Sociedad |
Villarreal 0–2 Real Madrid | Athletic Club 1–1 Real Sociedad |
Real Madrid 6–1 Monaco | Real Sociedad 3–1 Celta Vigo |
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad on TV, Live Stream
How to Watch Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad on TV, Live Stream
Country | TV Channel/Live Stream |
|---|---|
United States | ESPN Select, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes, fuboTV |
United Kingdom | Premier Sports Player, Disney+ Premium |
Canada | TSN+ |
Mexico | Sky Sports Mexico, Sky+, izzi |
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid Team News
Arbeloa will have both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé at his disposal this weekend, following the Brazilian's completion of his one-match La Liga ban last week. While questions surrounded Mbappé's availability for Saturday's clash, the Real Madrid manager has confirmed his top scorer is ready for selection.
Trent Alexander-Arnold returned to action last week at the Mestalla and could earn a recall to the starting eleven against Sociedad. However, Arbeloa turned to youngster David Jiménez at right-back last weekend, and the academy graduate might keep his spot after an impressive performance.
Jude Bellingham remains unavailable due to the hamstring problem sustained against Rayo Vallecano, while Éder Militão and Rodrygo are also absent for the home side.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad
Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Valverde; Mastantuono, Güler, Vinicius Junior; Mbappe.
Real Sociedad Team News
Real Sociedad Team News
Matarazzo's transformation becomes even more remarkable considering the key players he's been missing in recent weeks.
Takefusa Kubo is battling a hamstring problem that may sideline him until March, while Unai Marrero is recovering from a fractured cheekbone. Luka Sučić and Ander Barrenetxea are expected to return from their injury concerns later this month, though they'll likely remain unavailable for this weekend's fixture.
Sociedad's Copa del Rey commitments might prompt Matarazzo to rotate some of his midweek starters on Saturday evening. Players like Orri Óskarsson, Igor Zubeldia, and former Madrid defender Álvaro Odriozola could find themselves in the starting lineup.
Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid
Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-4-2): Remiro; Odriozola, Martín, Zubeldia, Muñoz; Marin, Turrientes, Gorrotxategi, Gómez; Óskarsson, Oyarzabal.
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Score Prediction
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Score Prediction
An exceptional match awaits us in the Spanish capital.
Madrid appeared more composed and disciplined without several star players last weekend, but Arbeloa will welcome back some key figures at home. This could potentially backfire for the hosts, considering Sociedad's effectiveness in counter-attacking situations.
The spirited visitors are certain to create attacking opportunities on Saturday evening against a vulnerable Madrid defense, and it might require a late rescue effort from Arbeloa's team to secure a draw.
Prediction: Real Madrid 2–2 Real Sociedad