| Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad | |
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MATCH INFO |
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MATCH :
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Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
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COMPETITION :
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La Liga
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| DATE: |
15-02-2026
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TIME:
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01.30 AM IST
12.00 AM UAE
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STADIUM
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Estadio Bernabeu
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Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad – Match Preview
Real Madrid head into Saturday’s La Liga clash in formidable form as they continue their pursuit of the league title. Los Blancos have accumulated 18 wins, three draws, and two defeats from their 23 league matches so far this season, collecting 57 points. That tally places them second in the table, just one point behind leaders Barcelona, who are not in action until Monday against Girona.
With the title race tightening, this fixture presents a golden opportunity for the Madrid giants to temporarily move to the summit. Carlo Ancelotti’s side — enjoying a rich run of domestic form — will be confident of extending their momentum in front of their home supporters at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Excellent League Momentum
Real Madrid’s recent La Liga form has been nothing short of outstanding. They have won each of their last seven league matches, showcasing both attacking efficiency and defensive stability during this stretch.
Their most recent outing ended in a 2-0 victory over Valencia, a match that highlighted their squad depth and tactical control. With no midweek European distractions and having already exited the Copa del Rey at the Round of 16 stage against Albacete, Los Blancos have had a full week to prepare for this encounter — a factor that could prove decisive.
At home, Madrid have been particularly dominant. They boast the third-best home record in La Liga, collecting 30 points from 11 matches at the Bernabéu. Their ability to control games in front of their fans has been a defining feature of their campaign.
Strong Record Against La Real
History also favors the hosts. Real Madrid secured a 2-1 victory in the reverse fixture earlier this season and are unbeaten against Real Sociedad since May 2023.
Moreover, Sociedad have not tasted victory at the Bernabéu in La Liga since January 2019 — a statistic that underlines the magnitude of the challenge awaiting the Basque side this weekend.
Real Sociedad – Formidable Run Fuels European Hopes
Despite the daunting venue, Real Sociedad arrive in the capital brimming with confidence.
La Real are currently enjoying an 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions, winning eight times in that sequence. Their surge in form has propelled them up the La Liga standings and strengthened their ambitions of securing European football next season.
They come into this match on the back of a significant 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of their Copa del Rey semi-final — a result that further underlines their defensive organization and big-match mentality.
League Climb Gathering Pace
In La Liga, Pellegrino Matarazzo’s men have won four of their last five matches, including an impressive 3-1 triumph over Elche. That run has lifted them to eighth place in the table.
They now sit just three points behind sixth-placed Espanyol, keeping their European qualification hopes firmly alive. Considering their slow start to the campaign, Sociedad’s resurgence has been one of the league’s most notable mid-season turnarounds.
Recent Form Guide
Real Madrid – La Liga:
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Real Madrid – All Competitions:
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Real Sociedad – La Liga:
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Real Sociedad – All Competitions:
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Team News
Real Madrid
Los Blancos will have to navigate several injury concerns heading into the fixture.
Éder Militão – Hamstring injury (out)
Jude Bellingham – Hamstring injury (out)
Ferland Mendy – Fitness test required
Raúl Asencio – Illness (doubt)
Rodrygo – Muscle issue (major doubt)
There is cautious optimism surrounding Kylian Mbappé, who missed Thursday’s training session due to knee discomfort. However, the club remains hopeful their leading scorer will be fit enough to start.
On a positive note, Vinícius Júnior returns from suspension after missing the Valencia win.
Another boost is the return of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently came off the bench following injury. The England international could now be in contention for a starting berth.
Brahim Díaz impressed with his cameo against Valencia and may earn a place in the starting XI, especially if Rodrygo fails to recover in time. Meanwhile, young talents Arda Güler and Franco Mastantuono are currently struggling for form and may begin on the bench.
Real Sociedad
The visitors also travel to Madrid with a list of absentees:
Takefusa Kubo – Hamstring injury (out)
Unai Marrero – Facial injury (out)
Brais Méndez – Suspended
Several players face late fitness assessments:
Arsen Zakharyan – Calf issue
Ander Barrenetxea – Muscle problem
Luka Sučić – Groin concern
Former Real Madrid defender Álvaro Odriozola is expected to feature at right-back against his old club.
Captain Mikel Oyarzabal is likely to lead the line once again, continuing his role as Sociedad’s central attacking focal point following recent tactical adjustments.
Match Outlook
This contest pits one of the league’s most dominant home sides against one of its most in-form travelling teams.
Real Madrid possess superior squad depth, attacking firepower, and a formidable Bernabéu record. However, Sociedad’s pressing structure, midfield discipline, and confidence from their unbeaten streak make them dangerous opponents.
If Mbappé is declared fit and Vinícius returns sharp, Madrid’s attacking threat could prove overwhelming. Yet Sociedad’s recent defensive solidity — highlighted in their Copa del Rey win over Athletic — suggests they are capable of frustrating elite opposition.
What’s at Stake
Real Madrid: Chance to move top of La Liga (temporarily)
Real Sociedad: Opportunity to close the gap to European places
Title Race Impact: Potential pressure shift onto Barcelona