The Daily Star Ireland
Real Sociedad enter this weekend’s clash under mounting pressure, struggling to rediscover the form that carried them through much of last season. Having failed to qualify for European competition this year, the Basque side are left focusing solely on La Liga and the Copa del Rey. Yet their league campaign has begun in frustrating fashion: a 1-1 draw with Valencia at Mestalla on opening day, followed by a 2-2 home stalemate with Espanyol. Just before the international break, Sociedad were stunned by newly promoted Real Oviedo, falling to a 1-0 defeat despite the efforts of talisman Mikel Oyarzabal.
In contrast, Real Madrid have started the season with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to reclaim dominance both domestically and in Europe. Under Xabi Alonso, who has quickly imposed his tactical identity, Los Blancos are pressing higher, playing with greater intensity, and demanding more from their attacking stars Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior.
Madrid opened with a tight 1-0 win over Osasuna, followed by a convincing 3-0 victory at Oviedo, and capped off their pre-break momentum with a 2-1 triumph over Mallorca at the Santiago Bernabéu. These results suggest Alonso’s system is bedding in quickly, with the team blending defensive solidity and attacking flair.
Sociedad’s Task: Discipline Over Risk
Despite their shaky form, Real Sociedad are known for frustrating elite opponents at home. Their 4-2-3-1 system may be conservative, but when executed well, it can stifle teams reliant on quick vertical play. Against Madrid’s aggressive full-backs, Sociedad’s plan will hinge on soaking pressure and countering with speed.
Creative spark Takefusa Kubo and winger Ander Barrenetxea are expected to shoulder much of the attacking responsibility. Their pace and ingenuity could pose problems for Madrid’s defense, particularly if Alonso’s side leave spaces when pushing numbers forward. Sociedad’s biggest challenge will be maintaining concentration over 90 minutes, as lapses against a side of Madrid’s caliber are often punished.
What to Expect at Anoeta
Most analysts favor Madrid to continue their strong start, but this fixture rarely comes easy. Sociedad’s hunger for a breakthrough, combined with their ability to disrupt rhythm, suggests a closer match than the form guide alone indicates. Madrid’s quality in attack, however, should ultimately prove decisive.
A plausible script sees Mbappé opening the scoring, Sociedad hitting back through Kubo, and Vinícius sealing the win late on. While the Basques may show fight, Madrid’s firepower and depth make them clear favorites.
Prediction: Madrid to Maintain Momentum
Recent history highlights Sociedad’s struggles at home, with just two wins in their last 11 league fixtures at Anoeta and five defeats during that span. Madrid, on the other hand, have claimed victory in four of their last five away matches at this level.
The visitors may not cruise, but their relentless attack and renewed intensity should be enough to secure all three points and keep their title ambitions firmly on track.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 0 – 3 Real Madrid
