Verdict: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
Looking to extend on their 100% start to proceedings, Real Madrid will travel to the Basque Country on Saturday afternoon when they meet Real Sociedad.
Real Sociedad
Starting with the hosts, enduring what was a real struggle last season as they eventually had to settle for a bottom-half finish among Spain’s elite, Real Sociedad were desperate to dust themselves down and mount a genuine European charge this time around. However, despite only appointing new boss Sergio Francisco over the summer, the 46-year-old already finds some serious pressure mounting on his shoulders. Last seen prior to September’s international break as they slumped to a worrying 1-0 loss away at La Liga returners Real Oviedo, the Basque-based outfit have failed to win any of their first three top-flight appearances. Hit with a routine 2-0 defeat when they last met Los Blancos back on May 24th, Sociedad couldn’t have asked for a tougher challenge this weekend.
Real Sociedad Team News
Still dealing with a long-term knee injury and not making a single appearance so far this season, academy graduate Inaki Ruperez remains on the sidelines. However, completing a permanent switch from French giants PSG on Deadline Day, Carlos Soler should make his Sociedad debut.
Enjoying a successful fortnight away with reigning European champions Spain, attacking talisman Mikel Oyarzabal will play a leading role in the final third. Completing a loan switch from Lyon back in July, Croatian international Dude Caleta-Car will start at the back.
Real Madrid
As for the visitors, relinquishing their La Liga crown last season and also wishing a farewell to Carlo Ancelotti over the summer, Real Madrid have certainly got a new era underway. Now under the guidance of former Sociedad boss Xabi Alonso, Los Blancos have come flying out of the traps since opening up the 2025/26 campaign. Last seen heading into September’s international break with a 2-1 victory against Mallorca, the Spanish icons have won all of their first three domestic showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-1. Last seen on their travels cruising their way to a routine 3-0 romp away at Real Oviedo, Madrid will be looking to make another statement here. Likewise, landing that 2-0 win when they last met Sociedad back in May, they hold a dominant record against Saturday’s hosts. In fact, Alonso’s superstar squad have won five of their previous six meetings across all competitions.
Real Madrid Team News
Although Jude Bellingham might be ahead of schedule to return from a shoulder injury, the England international might not be risked on Saturday afternoon. Yet to feature this season after picking up another long-term hamstring injury, French defender Ferland Mendy remains on the sidelines.
Finding the net in back-to-back appearances prior to September’s international break, Brazilian superstar Vinicius Junior will partner Kylian Mbappe in attack. Completing a controversial switch from boyhood club Liverpool over the summer, Trent Alexander-Arnold should keep his spot at right-back.
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Key Factors to Consider
When Real Sociedad and Real Madrid last met on May 24th, Los Blancos collected a 2-0 victory in the capital.
In fact, Madrid have won five of their previous six showdowns against Saturday’s hosts across all competitions.
Los Blancos have won their first three La Liga appearances this season by an aggregate score of 6-1.
Real Sociedad have failed to win any of their first top-flight showdowns (one defeat, two draws).
Real Madrid have recorded a clean sheet in four of their last five meetings against Sociedad.
Conclusion
Winning each of their first three La Liga showdowns by an aggregate score of 6-1, Real Madrid will simply be looking to carry on from where they left off prior to September’s international break. Looking to recapture their La Liga crown this season, Alonso will be calling on his superstar squad to lay down a title marker against his former employers on Saturday afternoon. Landing a 2-0 victory when they last met Sociedad back on May 24th and also winning five of their previous six battles across all competitions, we are expecting a similar outcome in the Basque Country.
Verdict: Real Madrid win
Best Odds: 2/3
Bookmaker: Luckster
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