LaLiga Saturday Preview: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid & Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal

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The LaLiga action continues on Saturday, September 13, 2025, with two intriguing clashes. Real Sociedad host Real Madrid at Anoeta, while Atletico Madrid welcome Villarreal to the Metropolitano. Both matches promise exciting tactical battles as teams look to assert their early-season ambitions.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid

Recent History:
Real Sociedad have struggled against Real Madrid at home. In their last 10 meetings at Anoeta, Sociedad have won just 2, drawn 1, and lost 7. Real Madrid’s dominance is clear, with victories in 67% of their last six trips to this stadium. This historical edge gives Madrid a psychological advantage heading into the fixture.

Recent Form:
Sociedad have had a mixed start to the season, winning just one of their last six matches, drawing two, and losing three. They average 1 goal scored per match while conceding 1.5. At home, the team has slightly improved offensively, scoring 1.67 goals per game over the last three, but defensive lapses remain a concern. Possession has been solid at 59%, showing they can control the ball but still need sharper finishing.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, enter with strong momentum, winning five of their last six matches and losing just once. They average 1.67 goals scored and concede 1.17 per game. On the road, their last three away matches saw two wins and a loss, with two goals scored per game and 1.33 conceded, highlighting their efficiency away from home.

Team News & Probable Lineups:
Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Álex Remiro (G); Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Duje Ćaleta-Car, Aihen Muñoz (D); Takefusa Kubo, Beñat Turrientes, Pablo Marín, Ander Barrenetxea, Brais Méndez (M); Mikel Oyarzabal (A).

Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Thibaut Courtois (G); Daniel Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras (D); Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni (M); Arda Güler, Franco Mastantuono, Vinícius Júnior (M); Kylian Mbappé (A).
Unavailable: Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham (injuries).

Prediction:
With strong away form, superior squad depth, and historical dominance at Anoeta, Real Madrid are favorites. Expect a 2-1 win for Madrid, with at least three goals likely due to the attacking quality of Mbappé and Vinícius. Sociedad will need a near-perfect defensive display to claim points.

Atletico Madrid vs Villarreal

Recent History:
Their last meeting in January 2025 ended 1-1, with Atlético dominating possession (59%) and creating 21 shots, but Villarreal’s resilience earned them a draw. Atletico’s home record is impressive, winning 73% of their last 40 home matches in all competitions and remaining undefeated in 34 of those games.

Villarreal have been on an undefeated streak, avoiding defeat in 9 straight matches. The team has been scoring efficiently (3 goals per game in the last six) while maintaining a strong defensive record (0.83 goals conceded per match). Their recent away form shows 80% of games without a loss, although goals scored and conceded are slightly lower than their overall averages.

Team News & Probable Lineups:
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2): Jan Oblak (G); Marcos Llorente, Robin Le Normand, Dávid Hancko, Matteo Ruggeri (D); Giuliano Simeone, Johnny Cardoso, Pablo Barrios, Thiago Almada (M); Alexander Sørloth, Julián Álvarez (A).
Unavailable: Javi Galán.

Villarreal (4-4-2): Luiz Júnior (G); Santiago Mouriño, Juan Foyth, Rafa Marín, Sergi Cardona (D); Manor Solomon, Santi Comesaña, Pape Gueye, Yéremy Pino (M); Tani Oluwaseyi, Georges Mikautadze (A).
Unavailable: Logan Costa, Willy Kambwala, Ayoze Pérez, Gerard Moreno.

Prediction:
Despite Atletico’s formidable home record, Villarreal’s current unbeaten run gives them confidence. Models suggest a tight contest, with Villarreal slightly favored due to form and defensive solidity. Expect a 1-1 draw or narrow away win for Villarreal as they look to extend their streak.

Saturday’s LaLiga Outlook:

Real Madrid expected to continue their strong run with a hard-fought win at Anoeta.
Villarreal aim to maintain their undefeated streak, potentially frustrating Atletico at the Metropolitano.
Both matches could see 3+ goals, especially the Sociedad-Madrid clash.