Welcome to the cfrealmadrid.com. Today we are presenting the Match Preview of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad. After the International Break, Real Madrid will play against a tough opponent at their home on Matchday 14. Barcelona and Real Madrid have 25 points each with 1st and 2nd position in the League Table respectively on goal difference. Taking a look at our opponents, Real Sociedad have 23 points after playing 13 matches and will be looking to get 3 points in this game. So, without any delay, let’s start the detailed Match Preview of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Match Preview:
Heading into this fixture, Real Madrid are the hot favorites (at least on paper) because they will have the home advantage. However, they should not take Real Sociedad lightly, they have the tools to hurt us and hurt us really badly. They are on the fifth spot in the La Liga table and we should be cautious of that.
Real Madrid have not lost in their last five matches. Moreover, we have scored 10 goals in our last 3 matches. The important thing to note is that we have not drawn a single game against Real Sociedad in our last 5 meetings. Furthermore, in our previous 5 fixtures, Real Madrid have won 3 and Real Sociedad have won 2 times. The average goals in the last 4 out of 5 games is 2.5 goals per game.
Kick-off-time:
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad is scheduled to be played on November 23, Saturday at 09:00 PM as per local time in Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.
Squad:
- Goalkeepers: Courtois, Areola, and Altube.
- Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, and Mendy.
- Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Valverde, and Isco.
- Forwards: Hazard, Benzema, Jovic, Bale, and Rodrygo.
Expected Starting Line up:
Goalkeeper:
Thibaut Courtois is back to Real Madrid after the International Break where he started for Belgium against Russia and he is expected to start against Sociedad. Courtois has kept 5 clean sheets in 10 matches in La Liga this season. His role against the Real Sociedad will be crucial.
Defenders:
Marcelo just got back from an injury and we should not risk him against Sociedad because we want him to play against PSG with 100% fitness. So, Ferland Mendy is probably the best choice to feature at the Left Back slot. Both players have been injured throughout the season and have played in patches. Marcelo is happy with the rotation and said that he will compete for his starting role. However, I think Zidane will start Marcelo anyway. In the Right Back position, Carvajal will most likely play the match. Dani Carvajal was good against Romania in Euro 2020 Qualifier and we expect him to replicate similar performances against Sociedad.
Varane and Ramos will be the best defensive Duo in the heart of the defense. Both defenders have played all matches for their national teams in the International Break. For the sake of giving them rest against Real Sociedad Militao can also be chipped in the match. Varane’s form in International matches was very impressive. He scored a goal against Moldova and won it for his team.
Midfielders:
Toni Kroos was the man of the match against Belarus in Euro 2020 qualifier and he was also in prime form against Ireland. Likewise, Modric is also in great form and also won the man of the match against Slovakia. Kroos, Valverde, and Casemiro is the most used midfield trio for Real Madrid this season. I think Kroos, Modric, and Casemiro will start the game against Real Sociedad. Considering the good form The option of Isco is also there in the midfield. However, everything depends on Zidane.
I think Isco will most probably come from the bench in the later stages of the game. The emergence of Isco from his shell is very crucial for not only Isco but also for Real Madrid and Spain. The substitute coach of Spain already said that to play in Euro 2020, Isco would have to perform for Real Madrid and be in the starting lineup.
Forwards:
Bale is back in the squad and I think he will start on the Right Wing against Sociedad. Benzema has been in great form recently and I expect him to continue his goal tally against Sociedad. On the Left Wing, we have Eden Hazard who has been in incredible form. He played exceptionally well with Belgium during the International Break and we expect him to reproduce the same performances at Real Madrid.
Rodrygo is flying at the moment after his first National Cap for Brazil. He will most probably get some minutes as well. Jovic is also in the squad after coming to the injury. Surprisingly, Vinicius Jr. is not in the squad against Real Sociedad and fans are furious with Zidane’s decision. Vinicius is suffering from the added pressure and desperately needs some minutes to gain to prove his worth. Zidane has to utilize Rodrygo and Vinicius in a more balanced way. He was exceptional in last season when Solari gave him confidence. Ronaldo Nazario hinted the downfall of Vinicius few days ago and suggested Zidane to enhance his playing time. Probably Copa Del Rey will give chances to youngsters like Jovic, Vinicius, and Rodrygo.
Image Source: Tribuna.com
Score Prediction:
Without a doubt, it is going to be a tough fixture. However, our squad has mileage to dismantle the opponents with a fast start and an early goal. I am optimistic about this game and I predict a 2-0 scoreline in favor of Real Madrid.
Verdict:
Well, that’s all from the Match Preview of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad. So, what are your thoughts on this game? Which players would you choose in the starting line-up and what are your score predictions? Let us know in the comments section below. We will come back with the Match Review just a couple of hours after the game. Until then, Hala Madrid!