Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad | La Liga | Pre Match
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad
Carlo Ancelotti's second and almost certainly final spell as Real Madrid head coach will come to an end on Saturday afternoon, when Los Blancos welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga, marking the conclusion of a season that has been both bittersweet and transformative for the Spanish giants. Ancelotti, a figure synonymous with Real Madrid’s storied history, has overseen a campaign that, while not without its successes, has fallen short of the lofty expectations set by his previous tenure, which culminated in a La Liga and Champions League double in 2023-24. The UEFA Super Cup victory in August provided a glimmer of silverware, but the absence of additional trophies in La Liga, the Champions League, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup has cast a shadow over Ancelotti’s farewell. Real Madrid’s second-place finish, just four points behind a Barcelona side that has been far from dominant, underscores the competitive nature of the 2024-25 La Liga season, but it also highlights the team’s struggles to replicate the consistency and flair of the previous campaign. Injuries to key players, tactical inconsistencies, and the pressure of integrating high-profile signings like Kylian Mbappe have all contributed to a season that has felt like a transitional one for Los Blancos. As Ancelotti prepares to step down, with Xabi Alonso poised to take the reins, the match against Real Sociedad offers a chance to end his tenure on a high note, while also serving as a poignant farewell for club legends like Luka Modric and Lucas Vazquez, whose departures signal the end of an era. The Bernabeu, a cathedral of football, will be charged with emotion as fans bid adieu to a manager and players who have defined the club’s recent history, while looking ahead to a new chapter under Alonso’s leadership.
Real Madrid will finish as runners-up in the La Liga table this season, while an incredibly disappointing campaign for Real Sociedad has left them languishing in 11th, a position that ensures the Basque outfit will miss out on European football for the 2025-26 season. For Real Madrid, the four-point gap to Barcelona is a source of frustration, as it reflects a season where they were close but not quite close enough to challenge for the title. The Catalans, while not at their imperious best, have been the standout team in Spain, capitalizing on Real Madrid’s inconsistency to secure the championship. Ancelotti’s side has faced criticism for failing to reach the heights of their 2023-24 campaign, with questions raised about their attacking fluidity and defensive solidity, particularly in key moments. The absence of pivotal players like Antonio Rudiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Carvajal for much of the season has undoubtedly hampered their efforts, while the integration of Mbappe, despite his prolific goal-scoring, has required adjustments that have not always been seamless. Recent victories over Mallorca and Sevilla have restored some momentum, and the team is determined to close out the league campaign with a win before turning their attention to the Club World Cup, where they face Al-Hilal on June 18. For Real Sociedad, the season has been a stark departure from their recent success, with their 11th-place standing a far cry from last season’s sixth-place finish. With 13 wins, seven draws, and 17 defeats from 37 matches, La Real’s 46 points reflect a campaign marred by inconsistency and a failure to capitalize on their potential. The impending departure of head coach Imanol Alguacil and key players like Martin Zubimendi signals a summer of upheaval, making this match a bittersweet farewell for a team that had hoped to compete for European qualification but now faces a rebuilding process.
Real Madrid lifted the UEFA Super Cup back in August, but that will be their only trophy for the 2024-25 campaign, a fact that has fueled scrutiny of Ancelotti’s final season. The Italian’s second spell at the club, which began in 2021, has been marked by remarkable highs, including the aforementioned double in 2023-24, but this season’s lack of silverware has led to questions about whether the squad’s depth and adaptability were sufficient to compete on multiple fronts. The Champions League exit, coupled with disappointments in the Copa del Rey and Spanish Super Cup, exposed vulnerabilities that Ancelotti struggled to address, particularly in the face of a mounting injury crisis. The match against Real Sociedad, while not a title-decider, carries significant emotional weight, as it marks the final appearance of Luka Modric at the Bernabeu. The Croatian maestro, whose contract expiration was confirmed on Thursday, has been a cornerstone of Real Madrid’s success for over a decade, and his departure will leave a void both on and off the pitch. Similarly, Lucas Vazquez, a versatile and reliable servant of the club, is expected to follow Modric out the door, adding to the sense of transition. Ancelotti, ever the pragmatist, has emphasized the importance of focusing on the present, with the team aiming to secure a victory that would provide a fitting send-off for both himself and the departing players. The appeal against Jude Bellingham’s yellow card from the Sevilla match adds uncertainty to the lineup, but the potential absence of the England international, alongside confirmed absentees like Rudiger, Mendy, Alaba, Camavinga, and Carvajal, will test Real Madrid’s squad depth. Meanwhile, Mbappe’s 41 goals in his debut season offer a glimmer of optimism, and his inclusion in the starting XI, alongside the potential return of Raul Asencio from a muscular issue, could provide the firepower needed to overcome a spirited but inconsistent Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad finished sixth in La Liga last season, while they have only been lower than ninth on one occasion since 2015, making their 11th-place finish a significant disappointment for a club with ambitions of consistent European competition. The White and Blues’ season has been defined by a lack of cohesion, with their 17 defeats highlighting defensive frailties and an inability to convert chances in key moments. Their recent 3-2 victory over Girona, their first win since early April, offered a rare moment of joy, but their nine losses in 18 away matches this season suggest that the Bernabeu will be a daunting challenge. The departure of Alguacil, who has been instrumental in elevating Real Sociedad’s status in recent years, marks the end of an era, while the expected exit of Zubimendi, a midfield linchpin coveted by Arsenal, further underscores the scale of change awaiting the club. The return of Aihen Munoz from suspension provides a boost, but doubts over Nayef Aguerd, Sheraldo Becker, and Orri Oskarsson’s fitness could limit Alguacil’s options. Players like Mikel Oyarzabal, Pablo Marin, and Brais Mendez will be tasked with carrying the fight to Real Madrid, but their record against Los Blancos—three straight La Liga losses, including a 2-0 defeat earlier this season—suggests a tough afternoon lies ahead. For Real Sociedad, the match is an opportunity to restore some pride and lay a foundation for the future, even as they navigate the uncertainty of a transitional summer.
The Bernabeu will be a cauldron of emotion as Real Madrid bid farewell to Ancelotti, Modric, and Vazquez, while Real Sociedad seek to end a disappointing campaign on a positive note. The contrast between the two teams—Real Madrid’s star-studded squad aiming to close a chapter with dignity, and Real Sociedad’s mid-table outfit grappling with their fall from grace—sets the stage for a compelling encounter. Mbappe’s presence ensures that Real Madrid remain favorites, but the absence of key players and the emotional weight of the occasion could make the match more competitive than expected. For Ancelotti, the game is a chance to reflect on a tenure that, despite its challenges, has added to his legendary status at the club. As the final whistle approaches, the focus will be as much on the farewells as on the result, with the Bernabeu faithful eager to honor their departing heroes while casting an eye toward the future under Alonso’s leadership.
