Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Team News, Lineups, and La Liga Match Preview

Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham recently celebrated with teammate Kylian Mbappe after scoring in a hard-fought win at Espanyol. As Real Madrid and Real Sociedad prepare to face each other on Wednesday at the Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid, Spain, the match pairs one of last season's trophy winners in Spain against a side eager to secure silverware. Al Jazeera Sport provides coverage of the La Liga fixture, marking Jose Mourinho's first home appearance upon his return as Real manager.

Mourinho's second spell in charge began with a 2-1 victory at Espanyol, secured by a late 90th-minute goal from substitute Carlos Espi after Jude Bellingham opened the scoring and Alex Calatrava equalised. Mourinho also introduced new signings Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella during the match. Back at Madrid, Mourinho aims to stabilize the squad and challenge Barcelona, utilizing a star-studded lineup that includes Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham.

Addressing Vinicius Junior's emotional reactions on the field, Mourinho emphasized the need for the Brazilian forward to better control his responses to typical fan insults, while noting that referees must ensure player protection against excessive fouls. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad enters the fixture following a narrow 1-0 defeat to Real Betis to open their campaign.

In head-to-head history, Real Madrid has won 91 of the 158 meetings, while Sociedad has claimed 27 victories. Real Madrid holds a strong historical record at home against Sociedad, winning 16 of their last 20 matches at the venue in La Liga.

Team News and Predicted Lineups

Real Madrid Team News: Eder Militao, Rodrygo, Raul Asencio, and Ferland Mendy are sidelined. Endrick, Thiago Pitarch, and Aurelien Tchouameni are doubts, while Jude Bellingham is expected to play despite nursing his ankle.

Real Madrid Predicted Lineup: Courtois; Dumfries, Konate, Huijsen, Cucurella; Bernardo, Valverde; Guler, Bellingham, Vinicius; Mbappe

Real Sociedad Team News: Alvaro Odriozola remains out with a knee injury, and Pablo Marin, Jon Gorrotxategi, and Goncalo Guedes face late fitness tests. Mikel Oyarzabal is expected to lead the attack.

Real Sociedad Predicted Lineup: Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Martin, Gomez; Herrera, Soler; Kubo, Sucic, Barrenetxea; Oyarzabal