Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: A La Liga Showdown Preview
As La Liga roars back into action following the international break, all eyes will be on Real Madrid as they travel to San Sebastián to face a struggling Real Sociedad side. Los Blancos, under the impeccable guidance of Xabi Alonso, are enjoying a flawless start to the 2025-26 season, securing three wins from as many matches. Can they maintain their perfect record against a Real Sociedad team desperate for their first victory?
This fixture pits a rampant Real Madrid against a Real Sociedad side that has yet to taste victory this season. Adding to their woes, Real Sociedad faces a daunting historical record against the reigning champions, having failed to beat Real Madrid in their last six encounters. The 15-time European champions will undoubtedly be eager to extend this impressive streak.
Match Details: When and Where to Watch
- Location: San Sebastián, Spain
- Stadium: Reale Arena
- Date: Saturday, September 13
- Kick-off Time: 3:15 p.m. BST / 10:15 a.m. ET / 7:15 a.m. PT
- Referee: Jesús Gil Manzano
Head-to-Head Record
The historical data paints a clear picture of Real Madrid’s dominance in this fixture:
- Real Sociedad: 0 wins
- Real Madrid: 4 wins
- Draws: 1
- Last Meeting: Real Madrid 2–0 Real Sociedad (May 24, 2025) – La Liga
Current Form (All Competitions)
Real Sociedad
- Real Oviedo 1–0 Real Sociedad – 30/8/25
- Real Sociedad 2–2 Espanyol – 24/8/25
- Valencia 1–1 Real Sociedad – 16/8/25
- Bournemouth 0–0 Real Sociedad – 9/8/25
- Real Sociedad 1–1 Rennes – 2/8/25
Real Madrid
- Real Madrid 2–1 Mallorca – 30/8/25
- Real Oviedo 0–3 Real Madrid – 24/8/25
- Real Madrid 1–0 Osasuna – 19/8/25
- WSG Tirol 0–4 Real Madrid – 12/8/25
- PSG 4–0 Real Madrid – 9/7/25
How to Watch Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid
| Country | TV/Live Stream |
|---|---|
| United States | ESPN+, ESPN Deportes, FuboTV |
| United Kingdom | N/A |
| Canada | TSN+, Prime Video |
| Mexico | Sky+, Sky Sports |
For a comprehensive list of broadcasters, refer to the full list of La Liga broadcasters around the world.
Team News and Key Absences
Real Sociedad Team News
Real Sociedad faces significant challenges with key players sidelined. Striker Orri Óskarsson is out until mid-October with a thigh injury, a considerable blow given he has scored one of the team’s three goals this season. New signing Yangel Herrera is also unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Manager Sergio Francisco continues to overlook Umar Sadiq, who has yet to feature this season, adding to the team’s offensive concerns.
The onus will be on captain Mikel Oyarzabal to spark Real Sociedad’s attack. Fresh off a strong international break where he bagged a goal and three assists for Spain, Oyarzabal will be vital if his side hopes to trouble the Real Madrid defense.
Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup vs. Real Madrid (4-3-3)
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Ćaleta-Car, Muñoz; Méndez, Gorrotxategi, Marín; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid also contends with injuries, with Jude Bellingham, Endrick, and Ferland Mendy still unavailable. Eduardo Camavinga, who was targeting a return, has suffered a setback and will miss the trip. In a surprise development, Antonio Rüdiger has been omitted from the squad due to a thigh injury.
Despite these absences, Xabi Alonso can breathe a sigh of relief as no starters picked up injuries during the international break, allowing him to field a strong XI. The manager faces a selection dilemma on the right wing, with Rodrygo, Franco Mastantuono, and Brahim Díaz all vying for a spot. While the Argentine teenager Mastantuono is expected to get the nod, Alonso has demonstrated a willingness to rotate his squad.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad (4-3-3)
Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior
Score Prediction: Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid
Given Real Sociedad’s struggles in front of goal and the absence of key attacking players like Óskarsson, it’s difficult to envision them breaking down a Real Madrid defense that has conceded just one goal in their last 270 minutes of play. Real Sociedad’s inability to score against Real Oviedo in their last outing further highlights their offensive woes.
Conversely, Real Madrid, even with potential squad rotation post-international break, possesses an abundance of attacking talent. Their firepower should be more than enough to overcome a winless Real Sociedad side and secure all three points in San Sebastián.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 0–2 Real Madrid
