The Storylines
This fixture arrives with plenty riding on it for both sides. Real Madrid finished the 2025-26 season as runners-up after Barcelona sealed the title with a Clasico win at Camp Nou on the final stretch of matches, and the club responded in the summer by bringing back Jose Mourinho for a second spell in charge. With the opening round of the new season already played, this is one of the first chances for Real Madrid supporters to see their new managers approach in a home league fixture at the Bernabeu.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, arrive with a trophy in the cabinet and a point to prove domestically. Despite a mid-table 2025-26 league campaign — finishing 7th with 42 points from 11 wins, 9 draws and 11 defeats — the Basque side capped their season by winning the Copa del Rey, beating Atletico Madrid 4-3 on penalties in the final after a 2-2 draw, securing their fourth title in the competition and a place in next seasons Europa League league phase.
Team Snapshot
Real Madrid
Under Mourinho, Real Madrid enter the new campaign looking to reclaim the title after two consecutive runner-up finishes. The squad was reinforced over the summer with the arrivals of Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konate, and Bernardo Silva, while Vinicius Junior signed a new long-term contract through 2032. Kylian Mbappe returns as the reigning La Liga top scorer after netting 25 league goals last season.
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad head into the new season on the back of their Copa del Rey triumph, with Mikel Oyarzabal — the clubs top scorer last season with 18 goals in all competitions — leading the line alongside Takefusa Kubo and Goncalo Guedes. A solid if unspectacular 2025-26 league campaign (49 goals scored, 48 conceded) suggests a side capable of testing the Madrid defence on their day.
Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Why he matters |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | Real Madrid | La Ligas reigning top scorer with 25 goals last season |
| Vinicius Junior | Real Madrid | Signed a new contract through 2032; central to Mourinhos attack |
| Mikel Oyarzabal | Real Sociedad | Club captain and top scorer, fresh off Copa del Rey glory |
| Takefusa Kubo | Real Sociedad | Creative spark on the wing, a former Real Madrid academy player |
Follow Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Live
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