Real Sociedad have had a shaky start to the 2024-25 season, managing just one win in their first four matches. Their only victory came on matchday two when Take Kubo scored a late goal to secure a 1-0 win against newly-promoted Espanyol.
However, that momentum didn’t last, as Sociedad followed up with a narrow defeat to Basque rivals Alaves, and a goalless draw against Getafe in their latest match.
Offensively, Real Sociedad have struggled, failing to score more than one goal in any of their four games. Adding to their woes, they've lost both of their home matches so far, falling 2-1 to both Rayo Vallecano and Alaves, leaving them as one of the few teams yet to earn a point at home this season.
While Sociedad would love to upset Real Madrid and reignite their season, history isn’t on their side. They’ve only won one of their last nine encounters with Los Blancos, drawing three and losing five.
Real Madrid, though unbeaten, haven’t been perfect on the road, trailing early leaders Barcelona by four points. They’ve been held to 1-1 draws in their two away games against Mallorca and Las Palmas but have taken all six points from their home games against Real Valladolid and Real Betis.
After a slow start to the season, Kylian Mbappé finally found his scoring touch before the international break, netting twice to lead Real Madrid to a 2-0 win over Betis at the Bernabeu. That victory stretched their unbeaten run in La Liga to 31 games, with their last league defeat dating back almost a year, against Atletico Madrid.
Heading into this weekend, Carlo Ancelotti will want his team to start strong, as only two of their seven league goals this season have come before the hour mark. Real Madrid will be hoping to make it three wins in a row against Sociedad, having beaten them twice last season, 2-1 and 1-0.
INJURIES & SUSPENSIONS
Real Sociedad’s attack has taken a hit with captain Mikel Oyarzabal sidelined due to a knee injury he picked up during international duty with Spain. To make matters worse, Hamari Traore is facing a long spell out after suffering an ACL injury against Getafe, and both Brais Mendez (foot) and Arsen Zakharyan (ankle) are also unavailable.
On a brighter note, Alvaro Odriozola and Ander Barrenetxea have recovered from their respective injuries and are expected to be part of the squad for Saturday’s game.
For Real Madrid, David Alaba and Eduardo Camavinga are still out with knee injuries, while Dani Ceballos remains sidelined with an ankle problem. However, the team got a boost with Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni returning to full training, though they may not be risked from the start.
Eder Militao, who returned early from international duty with Brazil due to a muscle injury, is expected to be fit and will likely partner Antonio Rudiger in central defense.
Kylian Mbappe will continue to lead the attack in a central role, with support expected from Rodrygo, Arda Guler, and Vinicius Junior.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
Real Sociedad possible starting lineup:
Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Pacheco, Lopez; Turrientes, Zubimendi, Gomez; Kubo, Becker, Oskarsson
Real Madrid possible starting lineup:
Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Rudiger, Mendy; Valverde, Modric; Rodrygo, Guler, Vinicius; Mbappe
EXPERT PREDICTION
Real Sociedada 1-2 Real Madrid
Real Madrid has gotten off to a slow start on the road, drawing their first two away games. But they'll be hungry for their first away win on Saturday, and we think they'll get the job done against Real Sociedad. Sociedad has struggled at home, losing both of their league games so far, so Madrid should have the edge they need to come out on top.
