Real Madrid Vs Real Sociedad

As Carlo Ancelotti’s second tenure as Real Madrid’s head coach draws to a close, Saturday afternoon’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu will mark the end of an era. This match, likely the Italian manager’s final game in charge of Los Blancos, serves as a symbolic farewell to a coach who has left an indelible mark on the club’s illustrious history. Real Madrid, having secured second place in La Liga this season, will look to conclude their campaign on a high note, while Real Sociedad, enduring a deeply underwhelming season, find themselves languishing in 11th place—a far cry from their usual aspirations. The Basque side’s struggles have been so pronounced that they will be absent from European competitions entirely in the 2025-26 season, a bitter disappointment for a club that has consistently punched above its weight in recent years.  

The 2024-25 season has been one of mixed fortunes for Real Madrid. While they began the campaign on a high by securing the UEFA Super Cup in August, that triumph ultimately proved to be their only piece of silverware this term. Disappointment followed in every other major competition—La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup—as the team failed to replicate the dominance they displayed in the previous season. The 2023-24 campaign had been nothing short of spectacular, with Real Madrid achieving a historic double by winning both La Liga and the Champions League. This season, however, has been characterized by inconsistency, with performances often falling below the lofty standards set by the club’s rich legacy.  

Despite their struggles, Real Madrid’s second-place finish in La Liga is still a respectable achievement, particularly given the competitive nature of the league this season. Barcelona, their eternal rivals, sit just four points ahead, demonstrating that the Catalan giants were not entirely dominant either. Nevertheless, Barça’s ability to grind out results when it mattered most ensured they claimed the title, leaving Madrid to reflect on what might have been. Questions have been raised about the team’s inability to maintain the same intensity and cohesion that defined their previous campaign. Injuries, tactical adjustments, and perhaps even a sense of complacency after last season’s success may have contributed to their relative decline.  

Ancelotti’s impending departure has been one of the defining storylines of the season. His second spell in charge, though not as trophy-laden as his first, has nonetheless been significant. The Italian’s calm demeanor, tactical flexibility, and ability to manage a star-studded dressing room have earned him widespread admiration. However, with the club eager to usher in a new era, Ancelotti’s time at the helm is coming to an end. His successor, widely expected to be former Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso, will inherit a squad in transition. Alonso, who has been making waves as a manager in his own right, will be tasked with restoring Real Madrid to the pinnacle of European football. His first major challenge will come in the form of the Club World Cup, where Madrid will face Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal on June 18—an opportunity to immediately stamp his authority on the team.  

Before that, however, Madrid will look to end their domestic season with a victory against Real Sociedad. Their recent form has been encouraging, with back-to-back wins against Mallorca and Sevilla providing a semblance of momentum heading into the final matchday. Beyond the result, this fixture will carry emotional weight, as it marks Luka Modrić’s final appearance at the Bernabéu in a Real Madrid shirt. The Croatian maestro, whose departure was confirmed earlier in the week, has been a cornerstone of the club’s success over the past decade. His elegance, vision, and leadership will be sorely missed, and the Bernabéu faithful will undoubtedly give him a fitting send-off.  

For Real Sociedad, the 2024-25 season has been one of unfulfilled potential and frustration. After finishing sixth last term—a position that secured them European football—their dramatic slide to 11th place has been a bitter pill to swallow. Since 2015, La Real have only finished outside the top nine once, making this season’s struggles all the more glaring. Their record of 13 wins, seven draws, and 17 defeats from 37 league matches paints a picture of a team that has been unable to find consistency. With 46 points to their name, they sit just one point behind Mallorca in 10th but five adrift of Osasuna in ninth, meaning their final position could still fluctuate slightly.  

The impending summer promises significant changes for the Basque club. Manager Imanol Alguacil, who has been at the helm since 2018, will depart after a tenure that brought both highs and lows. His tactical acumen and commitment to developing young talent earned him plaudits, but this season’s underperformance has necessitated a fresh start. Additionally, several key players are expected to leave, most notably Martin Zubimendi, the midfield linchpin who has been instrumental in Sociedad’s recent successes. His departure will leave a considerable void, and the club’s ability to replace him will be crucial in determining their fortunes next season.  

Real Sociedad’s recent form offers a glimmer of hope, however. A thrilling 3-2 victory over Girona in their last outing ended a dismal winless streak that had stretched back to early April. While their away form has been a major concern—they have lost nine of their 18 league matches on the road this season—the win against Girona could provide a morale boost heading into their final fixture. That said, their recent record against Real Madrid does not inspire confidence. La Real have lost their last three encounters with Los Blancos, including a 2-0 defeat in the reverse fixture earlier this season. Their last visit to the Bernabéu in the 2023-24 campaign also ended in a narrow 2-1 defeat, further underscoring the challenge they face.  

As both teams prepare for this final showdown, the broader context adds layers of intrigue. For Real Madrid, it is about closing one chapter and preparing for another. The transition from Ancelotti to Alonso symbolizes a shift in philosophy, with the club looking to blend its storied past with a bold new future. For Real Sociedad, the match represents the end of a disappointing campaign but also the beginning of a rebuilding process. The summer transfer window will be pivotal, as they seek to reinforce their squad and return to the upper echelons of Spanish football.  

In many ways, this fixture encapsulates the cyclical nature of football—endings and beginnings, triumphs and disappointments, legends departing and new heroes waiting in the wings. For the fans, it is a moment to reflect, celebrate, and look ahead with hope. The Santiago Bernabéu, a cathedral of football, will bear witness to another historic occasion, as one era fades and another prepares to dawn.