Real Madrid head to the Reale Arena on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their perfect start to the new La Liga season. Carlo Ancelotti’s men sit top of the table with nine points from three matches, while Real Sociedad are struggling near the bottom after picking up just two draws and a defeat.
Last season was a disappointment for Sociedad, who slumped to 11th in La Liga — their lowest finish since 2018. Hopes of a stronger campaign have yet to materialize, with Sergio Francisco’s side stuttering through the opening fixtures.
They began with a 1-1 draw against Valencia, followed by another stalemate — 2-2 with Espanyol on August 24 — before heading into the international break on the back of a 1-0 defeat to newly promoted Real Oviedo. That slow start has already left them playing catch-up.
In the transfer market, Sociedad kept things relatively quiet. Their biggest signing was Yangel Herrera from Girona, while the most notable departure was midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who joined Arsenal. On a positive note, the club managed to hold on to Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal, both key to any hopes of revival this season.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, have begun the season with a strong, if not spectacular, run of victories. Wins over Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca have brought six goals scored and just one conceded. Ancelotti’s men may not yet be firing on all cylinders, but their ability to collect maximum points while building rhythm bodes well.
Another victory on Saturday would give Los Blancos a five-point cushion over Barcelona before the champions even take the field, and it would allow Madrid to head into their Champions League opener against Marseille on September 16 with momentum firmly on their side.
Currently, Madrid and Athletic Bilbao are the only two teams with perfect records after three games, setting the tone for what could be another gripping title race.
The head-to-head record also tilts heavily in Real Madrid’s favour. Out of 183 previous meetings across all competitions, Los Blancos have won 102, including both league fixtures last season by 2-0 scorelines.
Sociedad have not beaten Madrid in La Liga since May 2023, and they have managed just one league victory over the capital giants since 2019. With that dominance in mind, Ancelotti’s men will be confident of extending their winning run when they step onto the Reale Arena pitch this weekend.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Real Sociedad will once again be without summer signing Yangel Herrera, who is sidelined until October with an injury. Striker Orri Oskarsson is also a serious doubt for the weekend, limiting Sergio Francisco’s attacking options.
Even so, the hosts are unlikely to spring any surprises with their starting lineup. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal, back from international duty with Spain, is expected to lead the line through the middle. Takefusa Kubo should keep his spot on the right flank, while youngster Jon Gorrotxategi is pushing for another start in central midfield.
For Real Madrid, the international break brought no fresh injury concerns, though Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and teenage forward Endrick are still unavailable.
Xabi Alonso may stick with the same XI that comfortably saw off Mallorca before the break. That would mean another opportunity for Franco Mastantuono on the right, with Rodrygo potentially left on the bench again. Trent Alexander-Arnold could once more be preferred over Dani Carvajal at right-back, while Eder Militao is in contention to replace Antonio Rüdiger at centre-half, giving Alonso some tough defensive calls to make.
What remains certain, however, is that both Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will spearhead Madrid’s attack as they look to maintain their perfect start to the season.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Munoz; Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Marin, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Sociedad 2-3 Real Madrid
