Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid – La Liga – Preview

Posted on August 21, 2016 by Sreya

Real Sociedad hosts Real Madrid at the Anoeta Stadium on 21st August, Sunday in their inaugural La Liga fixture of the season. Real Sociedad finished ninth in the league last season with 48 points, just behind Malaga who had a superior goal difference.

Real Madrid came second to Barcelona with 90 points, in one of the closest La Liga title races of recent years when the Catalan club won with just one extra point after the season. This season, the race for the Spanish Primiera Division is expected to be even more enthralling in light of Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.

Team News

Imanol Agirretxe and Sergio Canales are sidelined through injuries while Inigo Martinez has been listed as a doubt. Keylor Navas, Pepe, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fabio Coentrao will be absent due to injuries while Luka Modric is suspended. Karim Benzema is doubtful as well due to a hip injury.

In spite of a number of injuries, Real Madrid will start as clear favorites as Real Sociedad are no match to the European powerhouse.

Real Sociedad Possible Starting Lineup: Geronimo Rulli, Zaldua, Aritz Elustondo, Inigo Martinez, Yuri, Markel Bergara, Asier Illaramendi, Carlos Vela, David Zurutuza, Mikel Oyarzabal, Juanmi.

Real Madrid Possible Starting Lineup: Kiko Casilla, Daniel Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane, Marcelo, Mateo Kovacic, Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, Alvaro Morata, Marco Asensio.

Contributor’s Pick

According to Head-2-Head statistics, Real Madrid have won five of their last six La Liga matches against Real Sociedad. In fact, Real Madrid have won twelve out of their last thirteen matches against Real Sociedad in all competitions.

Zinedine Zidane’s side have won their last twelve La Liga matches on the trot, scoring a minimum of two goals in eleven of those matches. The betting odds heavily favor a Real Madrid win and Zinedine Zidane’s side are likely to win by a 3-1 scoreline.