Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad

The Santiago Bernabéu hosts a high-stakes La Liga encounter this Saturday, February 14, 2026, as Álvaro Arbeloa’s Real Madrid (2nd, 57 points) welcomes Pellegrino Matarazzo’s Real Sociedad (8th, 31 points). Kick-off is scheduled for 12:00 UTC.

For Real Madrid, the mission is to maintain pressure on leaders Barcelona while navigating a severe mid-season injury crisis. For Real Sociedad, fresh off reaching the Copa del Rey Semi-Finals, this is an opportunity to prove they can compete with the league's elite and climb back into the European spots.

Match Information

Real Madrid: Arbeloa’s Injury Headache

Since taking over on January 12, Álvaro Arbeloa has faced a "baptism by fire." While he has stabilized the team in the league, he must now manage a squad decimated by fitness issues and suspensions ahead of a crucial Champions League play-off against Benfica next week.

Team News and Selection:

• Attacking Crisis: Rodrygo is out for two weeks with a hamstring injury, while Vinícius Júnior is serving a domestic suspension. Jude Bellingham remains sidelined with a hamstring tear.

• Mastantuono's Time: With the star wingers out, young sensation Franco Mastantuono is expected to start on the right, supported by Brahim Díaz on the left and Kylian Mbappé (22 league goals) leading the line.

• Defensive Boost: Antonio Rüdiger and Ferland Mendy have returned to full training and could feature, providing much-needed stability to a backline that recently struggled against Benfica.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Rüdiger, Militão, Mendy; Valverde, Camavinga, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Brahim Díaz.

Real Sociedad: The Basque Resilience

Under Pellegrino Matarazzo, La Real has rediscovered its competitive edge. They arrive in Madrid full of confidence following an "epic" 3–2 comeback win over Alavés in the Copa del Rey and a professional 3–1 victory over Elche last weekend.

Team News and Selection:

• The "Sucic" Worry: Midfield star Luka Sucic left the Elche match with a muscular injury; his availability remains a game-time decision.

• Oyarzabal Leads: Captain Mikel Oyarzabal continues to be the primary threat, with 9 goals and 3 assists this campaign.

• The Barrenetxea Hope: Ander Barrenetxea is nearing a return from a strain and could potentially make the bench, though Matarazzo has been cautious with his recovery.

• Predicted XI (4-3-3): Remiro; Traoré, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Javi López; Zubimendi, Turrientes, Brais Méndez; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Becker.

? Head-to-Head (H2H) and Key Stats

• Reverse Fixture: Real Madrid secured a 2–1 win at the Reale Arena in September 2025.

• The "Mbappé" Factor: Kylian Mbappé has scored in his last three league games and is chasing the league scoring record for a debut season.

• League Standing: Real Madrid trails Barcelona by a narrow margin; any slip-up here could be fatal for their title hopes.

• Recent Meeting (Copa): These two sides famously played out a 4–4 thriller in last season's Copa del Rey, which Real Madrid eventually won on aggregate.

Tactical Preview and Prediction

Arbeloa will likely demand a high-pressing game to capitalize on Mbappé’s elite movement, even without the creative flair of Vinícius. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, excels at quick transitions and utilizing the technical skill of Takefusa Kubo to exploit high lines—a strategy that has historically troubled Madrid at the Bernabéu.

Despite the heavy injuries to Madrid’s "Vini-Belli-Rodry" trio, the form of Mbappé and the home atmosphere usually carry them through domestic fixtures.

Final Score Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Real Sociedad