Real Madrid v Sociedad preview
Real Madrid host Real Sociedad on Saturday night knowing victory could send them to the top of La Liga.
Los Blancos sit second, one point behind leaders Barcelona, while Sociedad arrive in eighth place and are chasing the European spots.
Madrid have been highly consistent domestically, collecting 18 wins from 23 league matches and winning each of their last seven in the competition.
Home form has also been strong. Real Madrid have taken 30 points from 11 matches at the Bernabeu, whereas Sociedad have managed just 11 points from 11 away fixtures. The hosts also won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier in the season and are unbeaten in this matchup since May 2023.
Despite the difficult venue, the visitors arrive in excellent condition. Real Sociedad are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, winning eight of them, a run that has lifted them back into contention for a European finish.
They come into the match after a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final, and they have also won four of their last five La Liga fixtures, including a 3-1 success against Elche.
Real Madrid v Real Sociedad team news
Real Madrid are without Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham due to hamstring injuries. Ferland Mendy, Raul Asencio and Rodrygo will be assessed, while Kylian Mbappe has been managing a knee issue but is expected to be available.
Vinicius Junior returns from suspension, and Trent Alexander-Arnold could start after recently returning to action. Brahim Diaz is pushing for a place in the starting XI following an impressive substitute appearance against Valencia.
Real Sociedad are missing Takefusa Kubo and Unai Marrero, while Brais Mendez is suspended. Arsen Zakharyan, Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sucic are also doubts.
Alvaro Odriozola may feature against his former club, with Mikel Oyarzabal expected to lead the attack.
Real Madrid v Sociedad predicted line ups
Real Madrid: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Brahim, Mbappe, Vinicius
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Odriozola, Martin, Caleta-Car, Gomez; Gorrotxategi, Turrientes; Marin, Soler, Guedes; Oyarzabal
How to watch Madrid v Sociedad: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Saturday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on Disney Plus.
Live streaming on a vast range of devices is available on the Disney Plus app. Subscriptions in the UK cost between £5.99 and £14.99 monthly or £99.90-£149.90 annually.
Real Madrid v Real Sociedad stats
- Real Madrid have won their last seven La Liga matches
- Los Blancos have taken 30 points from 11 home league games this season
- Real Sociedad are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions
- Madrid won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier in the campaign
- Sociedad have not won a La Liga match at the Bernabeu since 2019
