Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Extending the Winning Streak
Match Preview – Sociedad vs Real Madrid:
Xabi Alonso returns to Sociedad with the mission of helping Real Madrid maintain their winning run in Matchday 4 of La Liga.
Real Madrid head into the fourth round of the 2025/26 La Liga season with many players having had very little rest following the international break.
Xabi Alonso’s objective is to keep Los Blancos in top form, just as in the first three rounds, and secure all three points.
Alonso returns to Anoeta – Photo: EFE
A win away at Real Sociedad would allow Los Blancos to remain at the top of the La Liga table and boost their confidence ahead of next week’s Champions League opener against Marseille.
However, the injury to centre-back Antonio Rüdiger, due to the so-called “FIFA virus,” is a major blow for Real Madrid.
Alonso is rotating his squad to experiment with lineups and avoid early-season fatigue – especially important given Madrid had just three weeks of pre-season preparation.
This will be a special match for Alonso, as he returns to San Sebastian – the city where his football journey began.
He moved to San Sebastian at the age of six, played on the beach before joining the Real Sociedad academy, worked his way from the B team to the first team, and later moved on to Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich.
Alonso’s coaching career also began in San Sebastian, with a spell managing Sociedad B.
His work with Sociedad B paved the way for him to take charge of Bayer Leverkusen, where “Professor” Xabi made history by winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga title with an unbeaten record.
That success brought Alonso back to the Bernabéu to replace Carlo Ancelotti. He is already leaving his mark, from giving Kylian Mbappé more freedom on the pitch to transforming Arda Güler into a central midfielder.
Mbappé is expected to shine again – Photo: EFE
Alonso’s ideas will be put to the test at Anoeta. The hosts, Real Sociedad, have had a poor start to the season, failing to win in their first three matches and collecting just two points.
But that makes them all the more dangerous. In difficult moments, Sociedad will fight with pride and Basque identity.
History has shown that Los Blancos often face tough challenges whenever they play Sociedad.
Alonso is likely to field an attacking trio of Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinícius. Among them, the French star is in excellent form for both club and country and will be the driving force behind Madrid’s attack.