Overview
Real Sociedad ended last season in 11th place in La Liga, marking a disappointing season and showing that the Basque team still has a lot to improve.
This is the club's lowest position since 2018, and the start of the current season is not very promising, when La Real only won 2 points after 3 opening matches.
Coach Sergio Francisco's team started the season with a 1-1 draw with Valencia, followed by a 2-2 draw with Espanyol. They also suffered a 0-1 defeat to Real Oviedo right before the international break.
Regarding transfers, Real Sociedad still maintain a cautious stance. Their biggest signing has Yangel Herrera from Girona, while Martin Zubimendi has moved to Arsenal. However, stars like Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal have stayed despite much speculation about their futures.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid have had a solid start to the season but have not been really convincing. Los Blancos won 3 consecutive victories against Osasuna, Real Oviedo and Mallorca, scoring 6 goals and conceding only 1.
Although they have not yet fully regained their rhythm, maintaining their winning streak will help them increase their gap with defending champions Barcelona to 5 points if they defeat Real Sociedad.
Only Real Madrid and Athletic Bilbao have 9 points after the first 3 rounds of La Liga this season. Los Blancos will aim for their fourth win before entering the Champions League group stage against Marseille in mid-next week.
The history of confrontations is also leaning towards Real Madrid. They have won 102 of their 183 meetings with Real Sociedad in all competitions, including a 2-0 win in La Liga last season. Los Blancos are unbeaten against the Basque side since May 2023 in the competition and have lost just once since May 2019.
The focus of the match will certainly be on Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's main striker. The top scorer of La Liga last season still maintained his excellent form and led the scoring list after the first 3 rounds.
With Mbappe's explosive performance and the cohesive playing style that Xabi Alonso is building, the "White Vultures" have every basis to aim for victory and affirm their position as La Liga championship candidates.
Personnel situation
Real Sociedad will be without new signing Yangel Herrera until October due to injury, while the possibility of Orri Oskarsson playing is still open.
The home team did not have many surprises in the squad, with Mikel Oyarzabal returning to play as a center forward after an international break with the Spanish national team. Takefusa Kubo is likely to continue playing on the right wing, while Jon Gorrotxategi could be deployed in the central midfield position.
On Real Madrid's side, Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick are still unable to play, while Antonio Rudiger has to miss the match due to a thigh injury.
Xabi Alonso is likely to keep the same lineup as against Mallorca, with Franco Mastantuono playing on the right wing, leaving Rodrygo on the bench.
Trent Alexander-Arnold could also continue to be given priority over Dani Carvajal, while Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will definitely start up front.
Expected lineup:
Real Sociedad: Remiro, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Munoz, Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Marin, Barrenetxea, Oyarzabal.
Real Madrid: Courtois, Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras, Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler, Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius.
The match between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid takes place at 9:15 p.m. on September 13 (Vietnam time).
