Preview: Winless Real Sociedad host table-toppers Real Madrid
Real Madrid have three wins from three as we head into La Liga’s fourth round of fixtures, and they will be keen to preserve their 100% record in San Sebastián.
By Neel Shelat
New coach, same struggles for Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad parted ways with Imanol Alguacil after his contract expired at the end of the 2024/25 season. His time in charge of La Real has to be considered a success on the whole as he consistently led them to European football, but they wound up in the bottom half last term, marking their lowest finish since he took charge in 2018.
Interestingly, Real Sociedad decided to continue their approach of hiring internally. Just like his predecessor, Sergio Francisco spent quite a few years in charge of the B team before being promoted to the first-team role. Of course, it very much is early days yet, but the first few matches have suggested that the coaching change will not solve all of the Basque side’s problems.
La Real were fourth in La Liga in terms of average possession last season, but they had one of the worst attacks as they averaged less than a goal per game. The team lacked connections all over the pitch, particularly through midfield. Those issues have seemingly lingered as Real Sociedad are yet to register a win this term, most notably losing 1-0 to newly-promoted Real Oviedo.
La Real not short of attacking threat
While Real Sociedad might not have the most free-flowing attack in the league, they certainly have some dangerous forwards in their ranks. Japanese winger Takefusa Kubo, formerly of Real Madrid, is the standout name, but left winger Ander Barrenetxea has also looked bright in the early days of the season. Spanish national team striker Mikel Oyarzabal can help link everything up quite nicely, while Icelandic talent Orri Óskarsson is another good option.
Xabi Alonso’s team rotation expected to continue
One of the main talking points after Xabi Alonso’s first LaLiga matches as a head coach has been his willingness to rotate the line-up and drop big-name stars from the get-go. The likes of Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo and summer signing Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been benched so far, and that trend is expected to continue.
Los Blancos perhaps overused their attacking stars in the latter years of Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure, as Vinícius, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham all played well over 4,500 minutes in club competitions alone last season. Some rest should keep them both fresh and motivated over the course of the season.
Kylian Mbappé looking hungry at the start of the season
Although there was some criticism of his performances last season, it is important to bear in mind that Mbappé scored over 40 goals in his debut season at Real Madrid. He has started the new campaign in ominous form, netting thrice in three league matches before adding a couple for France in this international break, thus overtaking Thierry Henry in their all-time scoring charts.
Alonso has commented on how he has noticed an additional level of hunger in the French forward since the start of the season, so defenders across Spain better watch out.
Prediction
Real Madrid should be expected to control proceedings and emerge with a comfortable victory.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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