Real Madrid will travel to the Reale Arena on Saturday afternoon with the ambition of maintaining their perfect start to the 2025–26 La Liga campaign, as they seek a fourth consecutive victory that would further cement their place at the summit of the table. The reigning European giants have collected nine points from their opening three fixtures, a tally matched only by Athletic Bilbao, and they now face a Real Sociedad side languishing in 16th place, having managed just two draws and a defeat in their opening matches. While the early standings may not yet carry definitive weight, the contrast in form between the two sides is stark, and the fixture offers Real Madrid a chance to assert their dominance while Sociedad look to arrest a worrying slide.
For Real Sociedad, the current malaise is a continuation of the frustrations that plagued their previous campaign. Finishing 11th in La Liga last season was a bitter pill to swallow for a club that had grown accustomed to competing for European places. That position marked their lowest league finish since 2018, and it reflected a season of inconsistency, tactical uncertainty, and underperformance from key players. The Basque outfit, known for their vibrant youth development and technical style of play, struggled to find rhythm or resilience, often falling short in matches where they had previously thrived. The departure of Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal during the summer only compounded the sense of transition, as the midfield anchor had been central to their build-up play and defensive structure. While the retention of talents like Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal offered some continuity, the squad has yet to rediscover the cohesion that once made them one of Spain’s most exciting sides.
Their start to the new season has done little to dispel concerns. A 1-1 draw with Valencia on opening day was followed by a 2-2 stalemate against Espanyol, in which defensive frailties were exposed despite flashes of attacking promise. The defeat to Real Oviedo before the international break was particularly damaging—not just in terms of points dropped, but in the manner of the performance. Sociedad looked lethargic and uninspired, unable to break down a disciplined Oviedo side and ultimately falling to a narrow 1-0 loss. Head coach Sergio Francisco, now in his second season at the helm, faces mounting pressure to reverse the trend. His tactical approach, which emphasizes possession and fluid movement, has yet to yield consistent results, and the lack of reinforcements in the summer window has left the squad thin in key areas. Yangel Herrera, signed from Girona, was the marquee addition, but his injury absence until October has deprived Francisco of a dynamic midfield presence at a time when creativity and control are sorely needed.
In contrast, Real Madrid have begun the season with quiet efficiency. Under the guidance of Xabi Alonso, who returned to the Bernabéu as head coach after a successful stint with Bayer Leverkusen, Los Blancos have not dazzled, but they have delivered. Wins over Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca have been achieved with minimal fuss, and while the performances have lacked the fluidity and flair that fans might expect, the results speak volumes. Six goals scored and just one conceded across three matches reflect a team that is defensively sound and offensively opportunistic. Alonso, a cerebral tactician with deep roots in Madrid’s footballing culture, has emphasized structure and discipline, knowing that early-season points are crucial in a title race that will likely go down to the wire. With Barcelona and Atlético Madrid lurking, and Athletic Bilbao showing early promise, Real Madrid’s ability to win while still searching for top gear is a testament to their depth and professionalism.
The upcoming fixture against Real Sociedad carries added significance, not just because of the potential five-point cushion it could provide over Barcelona, but also due to its timing ahead of Madrid’s Champions League opener against Marseille on September 16. Alonso will be keen to maintain momentum and avoid any injuries or disruptions before the European campaign begins. Historically, Real Madrid have enjoyed dominance over Sociedad, winning 102 of their 183 meetings across all competitions. Their two La Liga encounters last season both ended in 2-0 victories for Los Blancos, and they remain unbeaten against the Basque side in the league since May 2023. In fact, Sociedad have only managed one league win over Madrid since May 2019, a statistic that underscores the gulf in consistency and quality between the two clubs over recent years.
Team news ahead of the clash offers further insight into the dynamics at play. Real Sociedad will be without Yangel Herrera, whose injury has ruled him out until October, while Orri Oskarsson is also a major doubt due to a lingering fitness issue. These absences limit Francisco’s options in midfield and attack, forcing him to rely on familiar faces. Mikel Oyarzabal, fresh from international duty with Spain, is expected to lead the line, bringing his trademark movement and finishing ability to the fore. Takefusa Kubo, who continues to be one of Sociedad’s most creative outlets, will likely operate from the right flank, tasked with stretching Madrid’s defense and linking play in the final third. Jon Gorrotxategi, a promising young midfielder, could earn another start, offering energy and ball progression in the center of the park. However, the lack of depth and experience in key areas remains a concern, especially against a Madrid side brimming with talent and tactical flexibility.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have no fresh injury concerns following the international break, but they remain without several key players. Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick are all unavailable, limiting Alonso’s options in midfield and defense. Despite these absences, the squad retains formidable strength, and Alonso is expected to name an unchanged lineup from the one that defeated Mallorca. Franco Mastantuono, the teenage sensation, is in line to feature down the right, a decision that would once again leave Rodrygo on the bench. Mastantuono’s emergence has been one of the early stories of the season, with the Argentine winger showcasing pace, flair, and maturity beyond his years. His inclusion reflects Alonso’s willingness to trust youth, even in high-pressure environments.
In defense, Trent Alexander-Arnold could retain his place ahead of Dani Carvajal, offering attacking thrust and set-piece quality from the right-back position. Eder Militao may be preferred over Antonio Rüdiger at center-back, with Alonso weighing the balance between physicality and ball-playing ability. The midfield trio, likely anchored by Aurélien Tchouaméni and supported by Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde, will be tasked with controlling possession and dictating tempo. In attack, the ever-dangerous duo of Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior will start, providing pace, creativity, and goal threat. Mbappé, in particular, has begun the season with quiet determination, integrating into the Madrid system and forming a promising partnership with Vinícius that could define the campaign.
Tactically, the match presents an intriguing contrast. Real Sociedad, despite their struggles, remain committed to a possession-based approach, seeking to build from the back and create overloads in midfield. Francisco’s system relies heavily on movement and technical precision, with full-backs pushing high and midfielders rotating to open passing lanes. However, against a Madrid side that presses intelligently and transitions rapidly, this approach carries risks. Sociedad’s defensive line has looked vulnerable under pressure, and Madrid’s ability to exploit turnovers could prove decisive. Alonso’s side, while not overly aggressive in pressing, are adept at controlling space and forcing errors, particularly through the midfield axis.
Madrid’s attacking play has evolved under Alonso, with greater emphasis on verticality and fluid movement. The presence of Mbappé has added a new dimension, allowing for quick transitions and direct runs behind the defense. Vinícius, operating from the left, continues to be a menace with his dribbling and unpredictability, while Mastantuono offers width and creativity on the opposite flank. The midfield, anchored by Tchouaméni, provides balance and protection, allowing Kroos and Valverde to push forward and support attacks. Set pieces could also play a role, with Alexander-Arnold’s delivery and Militao’s aerial prowess offering threats in dead-ball situations.
Beyond the tactical battle, the fixture carries emotional and psychological weight. For Real Sociedad, it is an opportunity to reset their season and prove that they can compete with the elite. A positive result against Madrid would not only lift morale but also signal intent to the rest of the league. Francisco’s tenure has been marked by flashes of promise, but he now needs results to validate his approach. The home crowd at the Reale Arena will play a crucial role, providing energy and support in what is likely to be a high-intensity encounter.
For Real Madrid, the match is about maintaining standards and building momentum. Alonso’s project is still in its early stages, but the signs are encouraging. The team has shown resilience, tactical discipline, and a willingness to adapt. The integration of new players, the emergence of youth, and the continued excellence of established stars all point to a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. The Champions League looms, but La Liga remains the foundation, and a win in San Sebastián would reinforce Madrid’s credentials as title favorites.
In conclusion, Saturday’s clash between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid is more than a routine league fixture—it is a meeting of ambition and adversity, of tradition and transformation. Sociedad, seeking redemption and resurgence, must overcome injuries, inconsistency, and a formidable opponent. Madrid, chasing perfection and progress, must navigate absences and expectations. The Reale Arena will bear witness to a contest rich in narrative and nuance, where every pass, tackle, and goal carries weight. Whether it ends in triumph or tension, the match will shape the trajectory of both.
