Saturday in San Sebastián brings a La Liga matchup between two sides heading in completely different directions. Real Sociedad enters the weekend under heavy pressure, still without a win after three rounds and already fighting to stop inconsistency from turning into a real crisis. Real Madrid, meanwhile, travels north on a high, sitting top of the table with a perfect record and treating this trip to Anoeta as the final serious tune-up before the Champions League begins.
Sociedad has just two points from their opening three games, draws against Valencia and Espanyol followed by a loss to Real Oviedo. For a club that finished only 11th last season, that’s a poor return. Losing Martin Zubimendi left a noticeable hole in midfield, and so far replacements haven’t filled the gap. Coach Sergio Francisco leans heavily on Kubo and Oyarzabal for attacking spark, but the team needs much more balance if effort is going to turn into victories.
Probable lineup: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Muñoz; Kubo, Marin, Jon Gorrotxategi, Ander Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal, Méndez.
Out: Yangel Herrera.
Real Madrid arrive with confidence
While Sociedad struggles to get going, Madrid looks like a team at ease. Three games, three wins: 1–0 over Osasuna, 3–0 against Real Oviedo, and 2–1 against Mallorca. That’s nine points, first place thanks to goal difference, and only one goal conceded. Even with injuries to Camavinga and Bellingham, Xabi Alonso’s side has stayed steady. Up front, the trio of Vini Jr, Rodrygo, and Mbappé brings pace and unpredictability, while Valverde and Tchouaméni give structure in the middle.
Probable lineup: Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Éder Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Arda Güler, Vini Jr, Rodrygo; Mbappé.
Out: Camavinga, Endrick, Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham.
Prediction and how to watch Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid?
Sociedad at home is rarely an easy opponent, but right now the mood is tense and the team looks short of belief. Madrid, even without being at their peak, has been more consistent and has players capable of deciding games on their own.
Prediction: Real Sociedad 1–2 Real Madrid.
TV channels and kickoff times
Canada – Vancouver: 7:15 a.m. | Montreal: 10:15 a.m. | TSN+, Amazon Prime Video
United States – East Coast (EDT): 10:15 a.m. | West Coast (PDT): 7:15 a.m. | ESPN Select, fuboTV, ESPN App, ESPN Deportes
United Kingdom and Ireland – 15:15 | Premier Sports Player, Amazon Prime Video
Spain – 16:15 | Movistar+, Amazon Prime Video, M+ LALIGA TV