Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 13 September 2025

This LaLiga clash sees Real Sociedad hosting Real Madrid at the Reale Arena. Real Madrid, top of the league with nine points from three games, have had a strong start under new manager Xabi Alonso, who has been named La Liga’s Coach of the Month for August. Real Sociedad, however, sit 17th with just two points and will be desperate to climb the table.

Despite Real Madrid being the favorites, the bookmakers’ odds of 5.29 for a home win suggest that Sociedad’s home advantage could offer some hope. Especially considering several key Real Madrid players are recovering from injuries like Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, though both are back in training.

Kylian Mbappe, who has scored three goals in three matches, will be a significant threat for Sociedad’s defense. Meanwhile, Sociedad will miss Yangel Herrera and potentially their top scorer Orri Oskarsson. The match promises to be an entertaining encounter where Real Sociedad might capitalize on Madrid’s weakened squad, making them a recommended bet to win.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Prediction & Betting tip

Our recommended betting tip for this clash is "Real Sociedad to win" at odds of 5.29. Despite being the underdogs, Sociedad’s strong home advantage and Real Madrid’s injury concerns give them a fighting chance.

• Real Sociedad’s home advantage could be pivotal in this encounter, with their defensive and counter-attacking strengths.
• Real Madrid’s key players, Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga, are recovering from injuries, which could impact their performance.
• Previous encounters have shown that Sociedad can challenge top teams, including a dramatic 4-3 Copa del Rey win earlier this year.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Odds

The odds for this LaLiga fixture feature Real Madrid as the favorites, while Real Sociedad’s odds suggest they might be worth a punt given their home ground advantage. Here’s a breakdown of the current betting odds:

Despite Real Madrid’s strong start under Xabi Alonso, their ongoing injury issues could tilt the balance slightly. Odds of 5.29 for a Sociedad win indicate that while they are underdogs, their home strength shouldn’t be underestimated.

Real Madrid’s odds of 1.59 show confidence in their form, but with players like Bellingham and Camavinga just returning to training, there could be vulnerabilities. A draw, listed at 4.15, reflects the potential for a closely contested match, making all these wagers intriguing options.

Real Sociedad Team Analysis

Real Sociedad Recent Performance

Real Sociedad have had a challenging start to their LaLiga campaign, as reflected by their recent performances:

• Real Oviedo 1-0 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
• Real Sociedad 2-2 Espanyol (LaLiga)
• Valencia 1-1 Real Sociedad (LaLiga)
• Bournemouth 1-1 Real Sociedad (Friendly)
• Real Sociedad 1-1 Valladolid (Friendly)

With just two points from their first three league matches, Sociedad sit 17th in the standings. Their average goals scored in the last five matches stand at 0.80, highlighting offensive struggles, but they have managed one clean sheet during this period.

Despite these results, Real Sociedad have shown resilience in defense and will hope their home ground advantage can propel them to better outcomes. Their recent form (DDDDL) underscores the need for improvement, especially going up against top-tier opponents like Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad Key Players

Real Sociedad’s squad will be keen to turn their season around against Real Madrid. Despite key injuries, standout players still give them a fighting chance.

• Orri Oskarsson has been their top scorer this season, although his availability is doubtful due to a thigh injury.
• Mikel Oyarzabal, one of their most influential wingers, is expected to contribute significantly in both attack and defense.

Expected lineup for Real Sociedad:

• Goalkeeper: Alex Remiro
• Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Duje Caleta-Car, Aihen Munoz
• Midfielders: Takefusa Kubo, Pablo Marin, Jon Gorrotxategi, Ander Barrenetxea
• Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Mendez

Key individual battles will include Oyarzabal going up against Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, which will be crucial in determining the flow and outcome of the match.

Real Sociedad Suspensions & Injuries

Real Sociedad are dealing with a couple of injury concerns that could impact their performance against Real Madrid.

• Yangel Herrera is sidelined with a hamstring injury and is expected to return in mid-October. His absence in the midfield will be felt, especially against a team with Real Madrid’s calibre.
• Orri Steinn Óskarsson, their top scorer, is doubtful for the match due to a thigh injury. Losing him would be a significant blow to their attacking options.

While there are no suspensions for Sociedad, the absence of these key players means other squad members must step up to the plate. The team will need to rely heavily on Mikel Oyarzabal and other available players to fill these gaps effectively.

Real Sociedad Tactics and Formation

Real Sociedad’s approach against Real Madrid will likely hinge on their solid defensive setup and quick counter-attacks.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-2
• Key Forwards: Mikel Oyarzabal and Brais Mendez
• Midfield Quartet: Takefusa Kubo, Pablo Marin, Jon Gorrotxategi, Ander Barrenetxea
• Defensive Line: One clean sheet in the last five games shows a capable, if inconsistent, defense.
• Notable Strategy: Leveraging home advantage and exploiting Real Madrid’s potential vulnerabilities due to their injury-stricken squad.

Real Sociedad will need to maintain a compact defensive shape and look to hit Real Madrid on the break. Key to their strategy will be the contributions from Kubo and Oyarzabal, expected to lead both offensive and defensive efforts.

Real Madrid Team Analysis

Real Madrid Recent Performance

Real Madrid have been in stunning form recently, winning their first three LaLiga matches and sitting at the top of the table:

• Real Madrid 2-1 Mallorca (LaLiga)
• Real Oviedo 0-3 Real Madrid (LaLiga)
• Real Madrid 1-0 Osasuna (LaLiga)
• WSG Tirol 0-4 Real Madrid (Friendly)
• Paris Saint-Germain 4-0 Real Madrid (FIFA Club World Cup Final Stage)

With an impressive average of 2.00 goals scored in their last five games and three clean sheets, Real Madrid have shown both offensive firepower and defensive solidity. Despite their excellent form, they face challenges with several key players recovering from injuries which could influence their upcoming fixtures. Their recent form (LWWWW) suggests they are strong favorites for the match against Real Sociedad.

Real Madrid Key Players

Real Madrid will rely heavily on their star players to continue their excellent form against Real Sociedad.

• Kylian Mbappe: The prolific striker has scored three goals in three matches and will be a pivotal figure in Madrid’s attacking line.
• Vinicius Junior: Known for his pace and dribbling, he is likely to cause issues for Sociedad’s defense.
• Thibaut Courtois: As the last line of defense, his shot-stopping abilities could be crucial.

Expected lineup for Real Madrid:

• Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
• Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Fernández Carreras
• Midfielders: Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler
• Forwards: Franco Mastantuono, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior

One key battle on the pitch will be Kylian Mbappe up against Duje Caleta-Car, which could be a determining factor in the outcome of the match.

Real Madrid Suspensions & Injuries

Real Madrid are dealing with several injury issues ahead of their clash against Real Sociedad, which could influence their performance on the pitch.

• Jude Bellingham has resumed training but may not reach peak form until November. His absence could be felt in midfield.
• Ferland Mendy and Endrick are both in the final stages of recovery from their respective injuries and are expected back by late September.
• Eduardo Camavinga is recovering from a shin injury and has returned to training but might not be fully ready for the match.

There are no suspensions reported for Real Madrid. Overall, the team will have to manage without the full capabilities of these key players, which could provide an opening for Real Sociedad to exploit.

Real Madrid Tactics and Formation

Real Madrid, under Xabi Alonso’s tactical prowess, are expected to maintain an aggressive yet balanced approach in their encounter with Real Sociedad.

Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Kylian Mbappe, who has already netted three goals in three matches
• Midfield Trio: Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler
• Defensive Line: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Fernández Carreras
• Defensive Strength: Three clean sheets in their last five games showcase their defensive solidity

Notable Strategy: Real Madrid have been effective in exploiting the 61-75-minute interval for key attacks. Leveraging the speed of Mbappe and Vinicius Junior on the flanks, combined with the creativity of Arda Guler, will be pivotal against Sociedad’s defense.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head Statistics

In their last five encounters, Real Madrid have clearly dominated Real Sociedad, winning four matches and losing one in extra time in the Copa del Rey.

• Real Madrid 2-0 Real Sociedad (24 May 2025, LaLiga)
• Real Madrid 3-4 Real Sociedad (AET) (01 April 2025, Copa del Rey)
• Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (26 February 2025, Copa del Rey)
• Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid (14 September 2024, LaLiga)
• Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (26 April 2024, LaLiga)

Real Madrid have managed to keep Sociedad goalless in three of these fixtures, highlighting their strong defensive structure. Additionally, the majority of these matches have seen fewer than 2.5 goals, showcasing tight defensive battles rather than high-scoring affairs.

These statistics suggest that while Real Madrid have the upper hand, Real Sociedad can pull off an upset, especially on their home ground.

Odds accurate as of 09 November 2025 15:17, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.