It’s third against first in La Liga this weekend as Real Sociedad welcome Real Madrid to San Sebastian on Saturday night.
Sociedad trail Los Blancos by seven points and sit level with second-place Atletico Madrid on 29 points. Can Imanol’s side close the gap on the league leaders?
2⃣ days to go until we face @RealSociedadEN! pic.twitter.com/MX5ngI2lpK— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 2, 2021
2⃣ days to go until we face @RealSociedadEN! pic.twitter.com/MX5ngI2lpK
Real Sociedad claimed an easy 4-0 victory over Panaderia Pulido in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday, enjoying 72% possession while racking up 31 shots.
Impressively, that win means they have only lost two of their previous 20 matches across all competitions.
It is worth noting, however, that Sociedad have lost two of their last three encounters. Last week, they lost to Monaco in the Europa League before suffering a defeat to Espanyol.
On a brighter note, we shouldn't forget that Real Sociedad are currently enjoying a 12-game unbeaten streak on home soil.
They have also lost just three of their previous 24 home matches across all competitions, suggesting they can give Real Madrid a run for their money on Saturday.
Los Blancos claimed a 1-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday, with Karim Benzema netting the only goal of the game.
The French marksman has now bagged 17 goals and eight assists in 19 appearances across all competitions this term.
Real Madrid have won each of their previous five La Liga games and have only suffered one defeat in 15 league games all season.
When you look at the bigger picture, they have lost just three of their past 44 encounters across all competitions.
Head-to-head: Real Sociedad have won just one of their previous five meetings with Real Madrid in all competitions.
That said, these teams played out two draws last season. Following a goalless draw in Sociedad, the two sides produced at 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture.
Team news: Carlos Fernandez, Nacho Monreal, Asier Illarramendi, Jon Guridi, Mikel Merino and David Silva are all currently injured for Sociedad.
As for Real Madrid, they will be without injured duo Dani Ceballos (ankle) and Gareth Bale (calf) for Saturday’s clash.
Yes, Real Madrid are enjoying a five-match winning streak in La Liga. But let’s not forget that Real Sociedad have been immense on home soil this term.
With that in mind, Forebet predicts that Sociedad will hold Los Blancos to a draw on Saturday. Both teams are likely to score over 1.5 goals.