Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad: Lineups, Injury News and How to Watch (3 p.m. ET, Feb. 14)

Real Madrid will welcome Real Sociedad to the Bernabéu on Saturday, Feb. 14, with kickoff set for 3 p. m. ET. The hosts sit second in LaLiga and can leapfrog the leaders with a victory, while the Basque side arrive in improved form under their new coach.

Match overview and stakes

This is a key weekend fixture in the title race. Real Madrid enter the match in second place, a point behind the top spot after 23 league fixtures. A win at home would temporarily move them ahead of the current leaders, intensifying pressure in the run-in. Real Sociedad are midtable but dangerous: they have stabilised under their new manager and are unbeaten in recent matches across competitions, making them a tricky assignment at the Bernabéu.

Form and standings

Real Madrid arrive with a sturdy domestic record so far this season, having picked up the bulk of their points through victories rather than draws. Real Sociedad sit several places lower in the table but have shown a turnaround since December, securing a string of positive results that have pushed them away from relegation concerns and into European-caliber contention.

Injury list and availability

Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed that Kylian Mbappé is available for selection after managing knee discomfort that has troubled him since December; the forward trained with the group and will be part of the matchday squad. However, Real Madrid will be without key figures in defence and midfield. Eder Militao and Jude Bellingham are sidelined with hamstring issues, and another forward remains unavailable, limiting selection options for Arbeloa.

On the other side, Real Sociedad have a near-full complement but will be missing several squad members due to various knocks. The visitors have adapted under their American coach, who has overseen a run of unbeaten outings stretching across nine matches in all competitions.

Likely lineups and tactical pointers

Predicted selections for the hosts point to a back line reshuffled to cover absences, with midfield stability expected from veterans and younger options rotated in to compensate for Bellingham's absence. Real Madrid's midfield projects to rely on solidity and quick transitions, aiming to supply Mbappé and the wide attackers.

Real Sociedad typically set up with a compact defensive block, quick wing play and midfield runners supporting the forwards. Expect them to defend in numbers and look to counter when they regain possession, banking on set-pieces and swift spells of pressure to unsettle the hosts.

How to watch

The match kicks off at 3 p. m. ET on Saturday, Feb. 14. Broadcast and streaming rights differ by territory: viewers should check local listings or the services that hold live LaLiga matches in their country. The fixture is available through national sports broadcasters and major streaming platforms that carry top-flight Spanish football; international viewers should verify regional packages and streaming access to ensure live coverage.

What to watch for during the match

Key storylines include Mbappé's impact after his recent knee discomfort and how Madrid cope defensively without Militao. Watch for how Arbeloa reshapes his backline and whether the home side can convert possession into sustained attacking sequences. For the visitors, keep an eye on their organisation under the new coach and whether their unbeaten run continues by exploiting quick transitions and set-piece opportunities.

Expect a competitive contest at the Bernabéu: a win for the hosts tightens the title race, while any points for the visitors would underline the progress they have made this season.