Real Sociedad – Real Madrid : Preview & Prediction
Thanks to a 2-0 win over Osasuna at El Sadar, Real Sociedad maintains a five-point lead over Villarreal in fourth place in LaLiga Santander (LL), where it has not finished in the top four since 2012-13. “We have the right to dream. We’re going for the Champions League,” said Take Kubo, scorer of the second Blue and Whites’ goal against Osasuna. The San Sebastian outfit face a demanding schedule in May, facing Real Madrid in the first of their three remaining duels against the clubs occupying the top three positions.
After knocking out one of the Copa del Rey (CdR) finalists, Real welcome the other with the confidence that comes from three wins at the Reale Arena with two goals scored in each. The txuri-urdin team arrives in a good moment to try to beat Madrid at home for the first time since May 2019 (E1, P2). Likewise, Imanol Alguacil has yet to record a win as coach against Carlo Ancelotti (E1, P2).
With his hat-trick against Almeria (G 4-2), Karim Benzema became the fourth highest scorer in LL hat-trick history. It remains to be seen whether Ancelotti will rest the big French striker ahead of the CdR final (May 6), but with the absence of Vinicius Jr. (suspended), the blanco coach’s options are limited.
Victorious in just one of their last four outings in LL (G1, E1, P2), Madrid must focus on their difficult game on Tuesday to remain in second place above Atletico Madrid, third just two points behind Los Blancos ahead of Matchday 33. Ancelotti’s side have averaged 1.4 goals scored per game in their last five trips in LL (G2, E1, P2), but they will not have an easy time breaking down one of the most solid defenses in the current championship.
Players to watch: With a Real Madrid past, Take Kubo has scored in seven LL matches this term, all of which have ended in Real Sociedad victories. Similarly, Madrid have won the last seven games in which Rodrygo has scored, most recently against Almeria.
Serie A highlight reel: Real Sociedad are unbeaten in home openers in LL this season (G7, E2).
Real Sociedad – Real Madrid : Betting Tips
Real Sociedad – Win Odds: 2.55
