Real Madrid Face Real Sociedad: Key Battles, Bold Predictions, and Expected Lineups Revealed

José Mourinho receives a warm reception back at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday evening, as Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in their first La Liga home fixture of the new campaign.

Mourinho's second stint in charge got off to a winning start with a late triumph at Espanyol, thanks to Carlos Espí's clinical close-range finish. Familiar shortcomings were exposed for Madrid in Catalonia, but Mourinho would sooner address those concerns on the back of three points than a frustrating draw.

Nevertheless, Barcelona's emphatic 5–0 demolition of Elche underscored just how formidable a task Los Blancos face in unseating the reigning back-to-back champions.

A demanding midweek test awaits the hosts, though Sociedad's season opened with a narrow loss away at Real Betis.

Pellegrino Matarazzo's outfit were among the most consistent sides in Europe for a spell last season, but an inconsistent finish to the campaign saw them end up in 10th place. Even so, their Copa del Rey final triumph over Atlético Madrid ensured few could argue it was anything but a successful year for La Real, a club that has claimed just seven major trophies throughout their entire history.

Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad Score Prediction

Mourinho Enjoys Successful Homecoming

Mourinho's return to the dugout has not yet transformed Madrid's attacking stars, Jude Bellingham aside, into diligent workers without the ball. The returning manager will face the same challenges as those who came before him, and may ultimately limit what Los Blancos are capable of achieving this term.

That said, it doesn't mean Madrid can't be a formidable force. After all, they boast an abundance of talent, and even their understated summer signing is already making an impact.

Anticipation will be high in the capital on Wednesday, as the latest generation of Galácticos look to build on their opening-day win and make it two from two in La Liga. To stay in contention with Barça at the top, these are the kinds of games Madrid simply cannot afford to drop points in.

Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Real Sociedad

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad

Real Madrid are dealing with a sizeable injury list heading into the new season, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Éder Militão among the more prominent names on the treatment table. The former is nursing a thigh problem, and Mourinho has confirmed the French midfielder will not be fit in time for Sociedad's visit.

Militão has returned to training and could be available for selection in the near future.

Meanwhile, the injury-prone Ferland Mendy continues his recovery from the muscle complaint that curtailed his 2025–26 campaign, and Rodrygo remains sidelined following his ACL and meniscus tear back in March.

Mourinho has publicly stated his desire to keep Brazilian forward Endrick at the club beyond the summer transfer window, though the start of his season has been set back by a knock. Young midfielder Thiago Pitarch, also the subject of transfer speculation, is similarly managing a minor complaint.

Carlos Espí's match-winning contribution on Saturday is unlikely to earn him a starting berth in midweek, despite Mourinho hinting that the young forward could eventually partner Kylian Mbappé up front.

Real Madrid predicted lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Silva; Güler, Bellingham, Vini Jr; Mbappé.

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid

World Cup winner Mikel Oyarzabal has been the cornerstone of La Real throughout the 2020s, and the quietly effective striker is poised to make his first start of the season on Wednesday.

Oyarzabal, who has netted 133 goals in 438 appearances for the club, came off the bench in Sociedad's defeat at Real Betis in their last outing. The forward is fresh off the most prolific goalscoring campaign of his career and was Spain's top scorer during their triumphant run in North America.

Fellow attacking option Gonçalo Guedes, who has been linked with a switch to the Middle East, is not yet at full fitness.

Former Madrid right back Álvaro Odriozola remains a long-term absentee, while Pablo Marín and Jon Gorrotxategi are both doubts due to muscle complaints.

Real Sociedad predicted lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martín, Gómez; Herrera, Sučić; Kubo, Soler, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal.

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