La Liga 2025/26 continues with a blockbuster clash as Real Madrid travel to face Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium on 13 September 2025. Both sides come into this game with different objectives: Madrid aim to maintain their perfect run under Xabi Alonso, while Sociedad will look to use their home advantage to upset the league leaders.
Real Madrid – Team News & Form
Real Madrid are flying high this season with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior forming one of the deadliest attacking duos in Europe. Behind them, Arda Güler has stepped up in the playmaking role, showing his flair and vision.
The midfield pivot of Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde gives Madrid both defensive solidity and attacking thrust. At the back, Dean Huijsen’s rise into the starting XI is a big talking point, partnering Antonio Rüdiger, while Thibaut Courtois returns between the sticks after long-term injury.
Carlo Ancelotti’s successor, Xabi Alonso, has maintained Madrid’s dominance by mixing youth with experience, and this match is another chance to prove their consistency.
Real Sociedad – Team News & Form
Real Sociedad, under Imanol Alguacil, have been unpredictable this season. Their midfield creativity revolves around Takefusa Kubo, while captain Mikel Oyarzabal remains their main leader in attack.
Brais Méndez and Pablo Marín provide technical quality in midfield, while Ander Barrenetxea adds pace and width on the left. At the back, Igor Zubeldia and Duje Ćaleta-Car will have the huge responsibility of containing Madrid’s superstar attack.
Goalkeeper Álex Remiro has often been Sociedad’s savior in tight games, and he will need to deliver a top-class performance to keep Mbappé and Vinícius quiet.
Predicted Lineups
| Real Madrid (4-2-3-1) | Real Sociedad (4-5-1) |
|---|---|
| GK: Thibaut Courtois | GK: Álex Remiro |
| RB: Dani Carvajal | RB: Jon Aramburu |
| CB: Antonio Rüdiger | CB: Igor Zubeldia |
| CB: Dean Huijsen | CB: Duje Ćaleta-Car |
| LB: Álex Carreras | LB: Aihen Muñoz |
| CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni | RM: Takefusa Kubo |
| CM: Federico Valverde | CM: Brais Méndez |
| RW: Franco Mastantuono | CM: Javi Gorrotxategi |
| CAM: Arda Güler | CM: Pablo Marín |
| LW: Vinícius Júnior | LW: Ander Barrenetxea |
| ST: Kylian Mbappé | CF: Mikel Oyarzabal |
Head-to-Head (H2H)
Last 5 meetings: Real Madrid W4, Real Sociedad W1
Last meeting at Anoeta: Real Madrid won 2-0 (May 2025)
Historically, Madrid dominate this fixture, but Sociedad have pulled off upsets at home before.
Key Battles
Mbappé vs Zubeldia/Ćaleta-Car – Can Sociedad’s defense handle his pace?
Kubo vs Álex Carreras – Madrid’s young full-back will face a tough challenge against the Japanese winger.
Midfield control – Tchouaméni and Valverde against Méndez and Marín will decide tempo.
Prediction
Real Sociedad will push hard at home, with Kubo and Oyarzabal likely to create openings. But Madrid’s attacking power led by Mbappé and Vinícius looks too strong.
Predicted Score: Real Sociedad 1–3 Real Madrid
Final Word
This clash has all the ingredients of a high-intensity La Liga encounter. Real Madrid are favorites to take all three points, but Sociedad’s home support and attacking quality could make it a tighter battle than expected.
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