Match Preview

Real Madrid hosts Real Sociedad as the two top-five sides face for the second time this season on Monday.

These two clubs met all the way back in September in a match that drew 0-0 at the Anoeta. Both clubs have come a long way since then to both hold a spot in the upper pedestal of the league table.

Real Madrid is currently third in the league and on a four match winning streak. The club sits six points trailing Atletico, still with a match in-hand for the city rivals. With Atletico and Barcelona having already played this weekend, it’s a chance for Los Blancos to know where they are heading into this match.

La Real is on a win streak of its own as the club has won it’s last three matches. The club has also only lost one of its last eight La Liga matches.

Injuries/Suspensions

Real has some returning faces to the squad for this match as Marcelo, Alvaro Odriozola, Fede Valverde and Rodrygo have all returned. Karim Benzema, Dani Carvajal, Eder, Militao, Sergio Ramos and Eden Hazard will all miss.

La Real will be without Luca Sangalli, Aritz Elustondo, Joseba Zaldua and Miguel Moya. Mikel Merino will also miss due to suspension.

Potential XIs

Real Madrid

Courtois; Odriozola, Varane, Nacho, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Vazquez, Vinicius, Mariano

With a true right back now available in Odriozola, we should see him start at the position while Lucas Vazquez is freed up as an attacking option. The Real backline was stellar against Atalanta last week so that should hopefully continue on Monday.

If Vazquez doesn’t have to start, he should be the one starting on the right wing in place of Marco Asensio. Asensio was basically nonexistent in attack against Atalanta and should be a substitution option here.

Real finally have some of its depth back and having Valverde as a likely substitute for the midfield is a big boost.

Real Sociedad

Remiro; Gorosabel, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Monreal; Silva, Illara, Guridi; Portu, Oyarzabal, Isak

Prediction

Real Madrid—Real Sociedad 1-0

With the attack still being thin, this will likely be another low scoring affair for Los Blancos. This was the key issue against Atalanta, despite pulling out a late winner, and La Real is a top five side that has only conceded 20 goals this season.

Real has a great home record against Sociedad winning 10 of the last 11 matches as hosts. Sociedad has also lost the most La Liga matches against Real Madrid and Barcelona. The history is there for Real but the club must continue to win in the present.

This should be an interesting match as both clubs are upper tier this season and on winning streaks. One of these winning streaks will be coming to an end, whether it’s a draw or a loss. Both clubs will be fighting hard for three points and this will be a tough matchup for Real Madrid at home.