Real Madrid and Real Sociedad clash as both sides carry strong unbeaten runs
Real Madrid continue title pursuit with defensive resilience
Real Madrid head into this La Liga showdown sitting just one point behind league leaders Barcelona as they continue their relentless push for the title. Los Blancos secured their seventh consecutive league victory last weekend with a hard-fought 2-0 win over Valencia, maintaining a consistent attacking output by scoring exactly twice in each of their last four matches.
What has made Madrid’s run particularly impressive is their defensive solidity despite significant injury concerns. Against Valencia, none of the defenders in their starting back four were older than 22, yet the team still produced another disciplined defensive performance.
Under Álvaro Arbeloa’s guidance, Madrid have also turned the Santiago Bernabéu into a fortress, winning each of their last four home league matches. With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, the hosts will expect another strong display.
Real Sociedad aiming to strengthen European ambitions
Real Sociedad arrive in the Spanish capital enjoying their own impressive run, going seven La Liga matches without defeat with four wins and three draws. Their latest success came in a 3-1 victory over Elche, which pushed them into the top eight and strengthened their hopes of securing European qualification.
However, Sociedad’s consistency has been tested by a demanding schedule, including a high-intensity Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Athletic Bilbao during the week. Improving their away form remains crucial, with the Basque side winning just two of their last 15 league matches on the road, alongside six draws and seven defeats.
Madrid hold dominant recent record in this fixture
Recent history strongly favours Real Madrid, who have won each of the last five La Liga meetings between the two sides, keeping three clean sheets in that run. Their dominance is equally clear at home, where Madrid have lost just once in their last 18 league matches against Sociedad, winning 14 and drawing three.
Key trends and match patterns suggest attacking football
Matches involving Madrid have seen a high number of set-piece opportunities, with at least 11 corners taken in six of their last seven league games. Additionally, the team that has scored first has gone on to win each of Madrid’s last nine home league matches.
Sociedad’s defensive record highlights a different trend. They have conceded in each of their last 17 league matches, the longest active run in La Liga. At the same time, both teams have scored in eight of Sociedad’s last nine away league games, suggesting this contest could produce chances at both ends.
Players to watch and team news
Madrid’s defenders have made a notable attacking contribution this season, scoring seven league goals, the highest total in the division among defensive units. Álvaro Carreras recently added to that tally against Valencia, with each of his last three goals arriving after the 60th minute.
For Sociedad, Orri Óskarsson has shown a similar ability to influence games late, with all three of his league goals this season coming after the 65th minute.
Madrid will be without key attacking figures Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo due to hamstring injuries, while Sociedad face uncertainty over Luka Sučić, who suffered an injury against Elche.
