Real Madrid and Real Sociedad have confirmed their starting teams for their meeting at the Estadio Bernabeu in the 2025/26 Liga on Saturday.
The second-placed Los Blancos are a point behind Barcelona, while Sociedad are chasing European qualification in eighth.
Madrid have been highly consistent domestically, collecting 18 victories from 23 league matches and winning each of their last seven in the competition.
101GreatGoals.com has the line-up news from Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad in the 2025/26 La Liga, as well as details on how to watch.
Real Madrid confirmed starting team vs Real Sociedad
The major news for Real Madrid is that top scorer Kylian Mbappe, who has been managing a knee issue, is on the bench.
Madrid will hope Mbappe’s initial absence does not hinder their attempt to keep up to speed with Barca. The feared striker has an astonishing 38 goals in 31 appearances in all competitions this season, finding the net 23 times across 22 league matches.
Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham are out through hamstring injuries. Vinicius Junior returns from suspension and Trent Alexander-Arnold starts after recently returning to action.
Brahim Diaz remains on the bench despite an impressive substitute appearance during their 2-0 win at Valencia on Sunday.
Real Madrid starting XI: Thibaut Courtois, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Gonzalo Garcia, Vinicius Junior
Madrid substitutes: Andrii Lunin, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Kylian Mbappe, Raul Asencio, Dani Ceballos, Fran Garcia, Brahim Diaz, Ferland Mendy, Jorge Cestero, Franco Mastantuono, Cesar Palacios
Real Sociedad full line up vs Real Madrid
Real Sociedad are missing Takefusa Kubo, while Brais Mendez is suspended. Arsen Zakharyan, Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sucic are also out.
Alvaro Odriozola is on the bench against his former club. Mikel Oyarzabal is set to lead the attack.
Real Sociedad starting XI: Alex Remiro, Jon Aramburu, Jon Martin, Igor Zubeldia, Aihen Munoz, Pablo Marin, Jon Gorrotxategi, Yangel Herrera, Wesley, Mikel Oyarzabal, Carlos Soler
Sociedad substitutes: Unai Marrero, Aritz Elustondo, Benat Turrientes, Orri Oskarsson, Goncalo Guedes, Duje Caleta-Car, Sergio Gomez, Jon Karrikaburu, Alvaro Odriozola, Daniel Diaz, Ibai Aguirre, Job Ochieng
Analysis: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad form
Madrid’s home form has been strong, taking 30 points from 11 matches at the Bernabeu, whereas Sociedad have managed 11 from 11 away fixtures.
The 15-time European champions won the reverse fixture 2-1 and are unbeaten in this fixture since May 2023.
Sociedad, though, are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions, with their eight wins including a 1-0 victory at Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final on Wednesday.
They have also won four of their last five La Liga fixtures.
How to watch Madrid vs Sociedad: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Saturday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT). In the UK, live coverage is on Disney Plus.
Live streaming on a vast range of devices is available on the Disney Plus app. Subscriptions in the UK cost between £5.99 and £14.99 monthly or £99.90-£149.90 annually.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad stats
- Real Madrid have won their last seven La Liga matches
- Los Blancos have taken 30 points from 11 home league games this season
- Real Sociedad are unbeaten in 11 matches in all competitions
- Madrid won the reverse fixture 2-1 earlier in the campaign
- Sociedad have not won a La Liga match at the Bernabeu since 2019
