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Real Madrid kick off their home campaign in the 2026–27 La Liga season on Wednesday, with José Mourinho aiming to build on his winning start following a dramatic late victory against Espanyol at the weekend.
After an unconvincing performance in Catalonia for the opening fixture, Mourinho will be eager to see a more composed showing in front of the home faithful.
This fixture marks the Special One's first return to the Madrid dugout as home manager in a competitive game since a 4–2 victory over Osasuna on June 1, 2013. That match, which concluded Mourinho's initial spell as Madrid boss, featured the likes of Álvaro Arbeloa, Ricardo Carvalho and Michael Essien—players now all well into their 40s.
Over 13 years later, Madrid welcome Real Sociedad for Mourinho's homecoming at the Bernabéu. The Basque outfit will be no easy opponents.
Despite a 1–0 opening-day defeat to Real Betis, there is a sense of positivity surrounding La Real, who claimed last season's Copa del Rey under American-born Pellegrino Matarazzo. Since taking charge last December, the 6'6" former defender and mathematician has instilled an appealing style of play at Real Sociedad, who will be targeting European qualification this campaign.
What Happened the Last Time Real Socided Beat Real Madrid?
However, for all the positivity surrounding Real Sociedad, the club's recent head-to-head record against Real Madrid leaves much to be desired.
La Real have failed to win any of their last eight encounters with Madrid across all competitions, with their most recent triumph dating back to May 2, 2023.
That result, a 2–0 home win at Anoeta, was sealed by second-half strikes from Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea as Madrid effectively surrendered their title challenge that season.
Veteran David Silva commanded the midfield that afternoon alongside Mikel Merino and a youthful Martín Zubimendi, with Mikel Oyarzabal deployed on the left flank.
Huge Turnover at Real Madrid
What stands out about the Madrid lineup from that match just over three years ago is how difficult it is to recognise.
While five members of the starting XI remain at the club—Thibaut Courtois, Antonio Rüdiger, Éder Militão, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Rodrygo—only the goalkeeper featured in the 2026–27 season opener.
Three further players have since hung up their boots—Dani Carvajal, Naxho Fernández and Toni Kroos—while the remaining three—Marco Asensio, Dani Ceballos and Mariano Díaz—have been shown the door.
Vinícius Jr was, naturally, part of the setup in 2022–23 and was the club's second-leading scorer across all competitions, but was rested ahead of the Champions League semifinal against eventual champions Manchester City.
The 2022–23 campaign represented a transitional phase for Madrid, who saw serial winners Marcelo, Gareth Bale, Isco and Casemiro all leave before the season began.
Falling behind Barça and a chastening European exit to City galvanised Madrid the following season, with Vinícius Jr and summer recruit Jude Bellingham leading the charge to Champions League and La Liga glory in 2023–24. Yet an inability to sustain that success has triggered further squad overhaul.
There have been four Real Madrid managers and 16 first-team signings since the defeat to Real Sociedad in May 2023.
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Of the likely starting lineup to face La Real on Wednesday evening, there is a strong chance that only four of them will have spent more than two full seasons at the club—meaning only four have ever lifted a trophy with Madrid.
Experience and leadership are qualities Mourinho has moved quickly to address through the acquisitions of Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella, as the squad navigates a transitional period without its former stalwarts.
Madrid's last loss to Real Sociedad serves as a stark reminder of just how significantly the club has been reshaped in recent years.