Real Madrid side have started the 2025/26 season with three wins

It has been a really poor start to the season for Real Sociedad, as they now welcome a former favourite son, Xabi Alonso, and his Real Madrid side to the Basque Country.

Following the departure of long-term boss Imanol Alguacil to Al Shabab over the summer, Real Sociedad have had an underwhelming start to this season, with another former B team coach Sergio Francisco now at the helm at the Reale Arena.

They come into this one on the back of collecting just two points from their opening three matches with draws against Valencia and Espanyol then being followed by a 1-0 loss to Real Oviedo in Asturias the other day.

Real Madrid preview: Finding the formula

Xabi Alonso and his Real Madrid side have started the 2025/26 La Liga season with three wins from three and Los Blancos are one of two teams to start the campaign with a 100% record, alongside Real Sociedad’s arch-rivals Athletic Club.

Madrid, beginning a new era, have edged past both Osasuna and Real Mallorca at the Bernabeu, with those victories sandwiching an impressive 3-0 hammering of newly-promoted Oviedo at Estadio Carlos Tartiere.

Real Sociedad team news: A few issues

Yangel Herrera joined Real Sociedad from Girona before the transfer deadline, but he is now unavailable due to a hamstring injury, whilst Orri Oskarsson is also a key doubt for La Real.

Predicted XI (4-4-2): Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Sergi Gomez; Kubo, Pablo Marin, Brian Turrientes, Ander Barrenetxea; Guedes, Mikel Oyarzabal.

Real Madrid team news: A few issues

England international midfielder Jude Bellingham remains sidelined for Real Madrid, alongside Endrick, whilst the likes of Ferland Mendy and Eduardo Camavinga are doubts.

Predicted XI (4-3-3): Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Carreras; Fede Valverde, Tchouameni, Guler; Brahim Diaz, Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.