Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: team news, likely XIs and stakes ahead of J24 clash

The race at the top of LaLiga tightens as Real Madrid welcome a confident Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabéu. With the home side trailing the league leader by a single point, availability concerns and tactical choices could decide a fixture that both clubs view as vital for their seasons. Kickoff is set for 3: 00 PM ET.

Injury picture and absences

Real Madrid will be without several important players for this meeting. Rodrygo is sidelined with tendinitis in his right hamstring and remains day-to-day while the club monitors his recovery. Jude Bellingham faces a longer spell out after sustaining a semitendinosus muscle injury in the match against Rayo Vallecano; the midfielder could be absent for roughly two months. Éder Militão is also out after suffering a rupture in the left biceps femoris and is expected to return in early April. There are no disciplinary suspensions for the squad, and Vinícius Jr. returns to selection after missing the previous league match through suspension.

Real Sociedad arrive with momentum from cup action and a run of form in the league. Their recent victory in the domestic cup semi-final first leg has given them added belief, and they bring a stable group into the Bernabéu with few injury concerns highlighted ahead of the fixture.

Fitness watch: Mbappé and forward options

Kylian Mbappé trained separately on the latest session owing to a muscular issue, though the coach is hopeful he will be available for selection. If fit, Mbappé and Vinícius form the most feared forward pairing available to the home manager. The balance between preserving Mbappé’s condition and unleashing the club’s attacking firepower will be a key selection dilemma.

Likely lineups and tactical clues

Projected Real Madrid starting XI leans on an experienced spine: Thibaut Courtois in goal behind a backline that could include Alexander Trent and Dean Huijsen, with Aurelien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde providing control in midfield. Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Güler offer rotation and creativity, while the front line is expected to feature Mbappé alongside Vinícius if both are declared fit.

Real Sociedad’s probable selection features Álex Remiro in goal and a frontline spearheaded by Mikel Oyarzabal and Gonçalo Guedes, with Carlos Soler and Beñat Turrientes providing attacking midfield support. Their shape typically blends disciplined defensive lines with quick transitions, a pattern that has helped sustain a long unbeaten streak in the league.

Tactical battle: control vs. confidence

Real Madrid will aim to dominate possession and use wide outlets to stretch Sociedad’s compact structure. Midfield control will be crucial in limiting transitions that have benefited the visitors in recent weeks. Sociedad, unbeaten in seven league matches, will look to stay compact and hit on the counter through speedy wingers and off-the-ball runs from their forwards.

Set pieces and disciplinary discipline could prove decisive. Sociedad have shown a susceptibility to bookings and cards in recent fixtures, while Madrid’s absences in key defensive areas raise questions about aerial security and depth.

Standings, stakes and what a result means

Real Madrid sit second in the table, one point shy of the leader, so a win would pile pressure onto the top side and restore belief in a sustained title bid. A stumble at the Bernabéu would hand momentum to rivals and complicate the run-in. For Real Sociedad, currently midtable, a positive result would underline their capacity to challenge higher-ranked teams and keep them firmly in contention for European places.

With league positions tight and cup fixtures adding congestion, this clash is about more than three points: it is a measuring stick for depth, resilience and the ability to manage injuries across a demanding calendar.