Real Madrid begin the defense of their LaLiga crown with an arduous trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday night.
(Betfair odds above – Real Sociedad win/Draw/Real Madrid win)
San Sebastian will play host to the biggest fixture in LaLiga this weekend in Real Sociedad and Real Madrid. Both sides head into the encounter in need of victory, setting up what should be an intriguing night of football.
All eyes will naturally be on the visitors, who won the league title last season by a five-point margin from Barcelona. While La Real, who drew against Real Valladolid last weekend’s season-opener, hope to pull other another upset.
Real Sociedad Form & Stats
It’s been a very difficult few weeks for Imanol Alguacil’s side, having had several players tested positive for COVID-19. These setbacks wrecked their pre-season plans altogether. Thus, they were probably relieved to nick a point away to Valladolid in their LaLiga opener.
Quite a few players are still doubts as a result of the recent positives results, including Willian Jose. Although David Silva may have recovered enough to make his debut. Mikel Oyarzabal, meanwhile, should be fit enough to make the line-up.
The duo’s return will be a vital boost for Real Sociedad, who lost Martin Odegaard over the summer. The Norwegian, who impressed so much in the Basque side’s midfield last term, is back at parent club Real Madrid. There could be some light at the end of the tunnel, though, as the hosts could be in better shape than their opponents.
Key Team Stats
- Drawn last three league games.
- Under 2.5 goals scored in last three league games.
- Have won just two of their last 13 league home games against Real Madrid (D2 L9).
- Won just one of their last six home league games (W1 D2 L3).
Real Madrid Form & Stats
Los Blancos had the last laugh in their previous encounter, overcoming La Real 2-1 at Anoeta back in June during a 10-match winning run that ultimately delivered the LaLiga title. But can they pull off a repeat on Sunday? On paper one may fancy their chances, but it’s worth noting Zinedine Zidane’s side haven’t played since August.
It’s uncertain, therefore, what level the squad will be at once action begins in San Sebastian. Not helping is the absence of several key players, including a certain Eden Hazard (see Team News below).
The opening fixture could provide Odegaard an opportunity to start for the Spanish champions. The 21-year-old was a big success on loan at La Real last term and often delivered some sublime performances in Anoeta. Hence, Zidane could be tempted to take a chance on him for this one.
The overall objective for the Real Madrid boss, however, will be to ensure his squad match the same levels they accomplished in the second-half of last season, while remaining a formidable force defensively capable of winning the tight games.
Key Team Stats
- Unbeaten in last 11 league games (W10 D1).
- Scored two or more goals in last four league games.
- Over 2.5 goals scored in last three league games.
- Have won their last four trips to Real Sociedad in the league.
Real Sociedad & Real Madrid Team News
Real Sociedad: Asier Illarramendi, Luca Sangalli, Martin Merquelanz, Martin Zubimendi (out); Willian Jose, Joseba Zaldua, Igor Zubeldia (doubts).
Real Madrid: Eden Hazard, Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio, Isco, Mariano Diaz, Eder Militao (out);
Head-To-Head Record
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