Match Preview for Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
Real Madrid continue their strong start to the 2025-26 La Liga campaign with a trip to the Reale Arena on Saturday afternoon, where they face Real Sociedad.
Los Blancos sit top of the table after three wins from three, while their Basque hosts are struggling near the bottom, having collected just two points so far.
Real Sociedad endured a disappointing 2024-25 campaign, finishing 11th – their lowest position since 2018 – and the new season has not started much brighter.
They began with draws against Valencia (1-1) and Espanyol (2-2), before slipping to a 1-0 defeat to Real Oviedo before the international break.
The club’s summer business was fairly quiet. Their headline signing was Yangel Herrera from Girona, though the midfielder is unavailable through injury. The biggest outgoing was Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal, but key attackers Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal remain at the club despite speculation.
As for Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso’s side have made a perfect start, with victories over Osasuna, Real Oviedo and Mallorca.
A win here would stretch their lead over defending champions Barcelona and maintain momentum ahead of their Champions League opener against Marseille next week.
Team news for Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
Real Sociedad are without Yangel Herrera until October due to injury, while Orri Oskarsson is also a major doubt. Oyarzabal, fresh from international duty with Spain, is expected to start up front, with Kubo providing support from the right. Jon Gorrotxategi could again feature in midfield.
Real Madrid have no new injury concerns from the break, but Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick are all still sidelined.
Alonso may stick with the XI that beat Mallorca, with Franco Mastantuono likely to continue on the right and Rodrygo among the substitutes.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could once again start ahead of Dani Carvajal, while Eder Militao may keep Antonio Rudiger out of the side. Up front, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will lead the attack.
Expected line-ups for Real Sociedad v Real Madrid
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Munoz; Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Marin, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinícius Júnior
