Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid: Los Blancos Aim For Fourth Anniversary Victory

JAKARTA - Real Madrid will play an away match to the Reale Arena, Saturday night WIB, September 13, on a mission to win their fourth straight victory in La Liga 2025-26. Los Blancos currently lead the standings with nine perfect points from three matches, while Real Sociedad slumped in 16th place with just two points from the first three games of the season.

Last season, Real Sociedad only finished in 11th place in La Liga their worst record since 2018. This season has not gone smoothly, with only two draws and one loss from the first three matches. After a 1-1 draw with Valencia and 2-2 against Espanyol, La Real entered the international break with a narrow 0-1 loss to Real Oviedo.

In the summer transfer market, Sociedad did not bring in many new players. Yangel Herrera became their biggest signing from Girona, but the midfielder had to miss until October due to injury. The biggest loss for them was Martin Zubimendi's departure to Arsenal, although they managed to keep Takefusa Kubo and Mikel Oyarzabal from the target of other clubs.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, started the season with three wins over Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca, scoring six goals and conceding only once. Although their performance has not been fully convincing, Xabi Alonso's team managed to collect full points while waiting for the team to find the rhythm of their best game. Victory over Sociedad will bring Madrid five points ahead of defending Barcelona champions before the Blaugrana compete.

The meeting record also supports Los Blancos. Of the 183 meetings in all competitions, Real Madrid won 102 times, including two 2-0 wins in La Liga last season. They have been unbeaten against Sociedad in the league since May 2023, and have only lost once to the Basque club since 2019.

Real Sociedad is confirmed without Yangel Herrera until next month, while Orri Oskarsson is doubtful. Sergio Francisco manager is likely to continue to rely on Oyarzabal as the spearhead, supported by Kubo on the right and Jon Gorrotxategi in midfield.

From Madrid, there were no new injuries after the international break. But Jude Bellingham, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga, and Endrick are still sidelined. Alonso most likely fielded the same line of players as when they won over Mallorca, with Franco Mastantuono still filling the right wing. Trent Alexander-Arnold has the potential to be re-elected over Dani Carvajal, while Eder Militao could replace Antonio Rudiger in the heart of defense. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior will be the main focus on the front lines.

Real Sociedad is predicted to make it difficult for Real Madrid, but with their unstable performance at the start of the season, Los Blancos are believed to still have a narrow victory. Final prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid.

Estimated Lineup Of Players

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1)Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Munoz; Kubo, Mendez, Gorrotxategi, Marin, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal

Real Madrid (4-3-3)Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler; Mastantuono, Mbappe, Vinicius