La Liga returns in full swing this weekend as Real Madrid travel to face Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena, with both teams eager to make a statement following the international break. While the season is still young, the contrast between these two sides could hardly be sharper. Real Madrid, under the stewardship of Xabi Alonso, have opened their 2025-26 campaign with three straight wins, while Real Sociedad are still searching for their first victory after a string of frustrating results.
The match, scheduled for Saturday, September 13 at 10:15 a.m. ET (3:15 p.m. BST), promises to be a telling early test for both clubs. Real Madrid, sitting near the top of the La Liga table, have racked up nine points from their opening fixtures, dispatching Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca with a blend of attacking flair and newfound defensive solidity. Their hosts, meanwhile, have struggled to get out of the gates, managing only draws against Valencia and Espanyol before suffering a limp 1-0 defeat to Real Oviedo on August 30.
Recent history doesn’t favor the home side. Real Madrid have dominated this fixture, winning five of their last six meetings with Real Sociedad and keeping four clean sheets in that span. The most recent encounter, a 2-0 win for Los Blancos in May, offered another reminder of the gulf between the two sides when it comes to big-match temperament.
For Real Sociedad, the task is made even more daunting by a growing injury list. New signing Yangel Herrera remains sidelined with a hamstring injury and won’t return until at least October, while striker Orri Óskarsson is also out with a thigh problem suffered against Oviedo. Inaki Ruperez is a long-term absentee, and Umar Sadiq continues to be overlooked by manager Sergio Francisco. The absence of these key players has left the team short on firepower, a problem laid bare by their inability to score in their last outing.
Despite these setbacks, there are glimmers of hope for the hosts. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal has returned from international duty in fine form, having notched a goal and three assists in just two games for Spain. If Sociedad are to break their winless streak, much will depend on Oyarzabal’s ability to inspire those around him. Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, who has one goal in La Liga so far this season and averages 1.7 shots per match, will also need to be at his creative best.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are riding a wave of momentum. Xabi Alonso’s men have not only demonstrated attacking prowess—scoring six goals in three matches, good for fourth in the league—but have also shored up their backline. The arrivals of Dean Huijsen, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Alvaro Carreras have added steel and composure, helping the team concede just one goal so far, the best defensive record in La Liga.
Alonso’s tactical tweak has also unlocked the potential of young Turkish midfielder Arda Guler. After being limited under Carlo Ancelotti, Guler has started all three league matches this season, registering an assist against Oviedo and scoring a crucial equalizer versus Mallorca. “Alonso is giving him the opportunity to thrive and he is rewarding that patience,” noted one analyst. Guler’s influence is growing, and he could be a difference-maker once again at the Reale Arena.
However, Real Madrid are not without their own injury concerns. Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick are all unavailable for selection, while Antonio Rüdiger is ruled out with a thigh injury. The good news? None of the starters picked up knocks during the international break, and Alonso can field a strong starting eleven. The expected lineup includes Courtois in goal, a back four of Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, and Carreras, with Valverde, Tchouaméni, and Güler in midfield. Up front, Mastantuono is likely to get the nod on the right, joining Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior in a fearsome attacking trio.
Real Sociedad are expected to line up in a 4-3-3, with Remiro in goal, Aramburu, Zubeldia, Ćaleta-Car, and Muñoz at the back, and a midfield trio of Méndez, Gorrotxategi, and Marín. Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Barrenetxea will lead the line, hoping to find a way past Madrid’s reinforced defense.
The statistics paint a stark picture. Real Sociedad have scored just three goals in as many matches, ranking 12th in La Liga, and have conceded four, leaving them with a -1 goal differential. Real Madrid, by contrast, boast a +5 differential and have won 13 of their last 15 La Liga matches. The visitors have also kept four clean sheets in their last five league away games, underscoring their ability to grind out results on the road.
Discipline could play a role, too. Sociedad right-back Jon Aramburu has committed eight fouls in three games and is viewed as a likely candidate to pick up a card, especially against Madrid’s quick and tricky attackers. For the visitors, maintaining composure and avoiding unnecessary bookings will be key as they seek to continue their perfect start.
For fans, the match will be broadcast live on ESPN+ in the United States, with coverage also available on TSN+ in Canada and Sky Sports in Mexico. The stage is set for a high-stakes clash, with Real Madrid aiming to cement their place at the top of the table and Sociedad desperate to turn their fortunes around.
As the teams prepare to take the field, all eyes will be on whether Real Madrid can maintain their perfect record or if Real Sociedad can finally snap their winless run. With plenty at stake and both lineups featuring a blend of youth and experience, this La Liga showdown promises drama, intensity, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
With kickoff fast approaching, anticipation is building in San Sebastián. Will Real Madrid’s dominant run continue, or can Real Sociedad defy the odds and claim a much-needed result? The answer will unfold at the Reale Arena, where the action is about to begin.
