Madrid’s Perfect Start Tested by Sociedad and Injuries

League Leaders Face Tough Away Trip

Real Madrid will look to continue their flawless start to the 2025-26 La Liga season when they travel to the Reale Arena to face a struggling Real Sociedad on Saturday, September 13. Fresh off the international break, manager Xabi Alonso’s side aims to secure a fourth consecutive victory, but they must do so while navigating a growing list of injuries, particularly in defense.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 16:15 CEST (10:15 AM EST) in San Sebastián. Los Blancos enter the contest at the top of the table, having won their first three matches against Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca, scoring six goals while conceding only one. In stark contrast, Real Sociedad are yet to register a win this season, collecting just two points from their opening three fixtures.

Real Madrid’s Defensive Test

While Real Madrid’s attack, led by Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, has been formidable, their defensive lineup faces a significant test. The club was dealt a major blow with the news that centre-back Antonio Rüdiger sustained a thigh injury that could see him sidelined for an extended period. His absence forces Alonso to rely on the young partnership of Eder Militão and Dean Huijsen to anchor the backline.

The injury list doesn’t end there. Key midfielders Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga remain unavailable, with Camavinga suffering a recent setback in his recovery. Forwards Endrick and Ferland Mendy are also still out. The official squad list confirmed Rüdiger’s omission but included a wealth of attacking options, highlighting the team’s depth up front. Rodrygo, who remained in Madrid during the FIFA break, is expected to be fresh and could start on the right wing over Franco Mastantuono.

Predicted Lineups

• Real Madrid Predicted XI: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Güler; Rodrygo, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.
• Real Sociedad Predicted XI: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Ćaleta-Car, Muñoz; Méndez, Gorrotxategi, Marín; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea.

Sociedad’s Search for Form

For Real Sociedad, the match presents a daunting challenge to kickstart their season. After draws against Valencia and Espanyol, they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Real Oviedo before the break. Their task is made more difficult by injuries to key personnel. Striker Orri Óskarsson, who scored one of the team’s three goals this season, is sidelined until mid-October with a thigh injury, and new signing Yangel Herrera is also out.

The pressure will fall heavily on captain Mikel Oyarzabal to provide an offensive spark. Oyarzabal returns to his club in excellent form, having scored a goal and provided three assists for Spain during the international break. However, history is not on their side, as Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Real Sociedad, winning the corresponding fixture 2-0 last season.

Despite their injury concerns, Real Madrid’s superior form and offensive firepower make them strong favorites to leave San Sebastián with all three points and maintain their position at the summit of La Liga. As reported by digitaltrendstoday.com, the capital club’s depth will likely prove too much for a home side desperate to find its footing.