Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Preview: How to Watch on TV, Live Stream, Kick Off Time & Team News

Real Madrid will start their title defence away to Real Sociedad on Sunday.

The Spanish giants finished five points clear of rivals Barcelona last season, earning them their 34th La Liga title. Zinedine Zidane will want to get off to a good start this time around, particularly as Ronald Koeman is determined to fix the issues at the Camp Nou and will look to challenge again this season.

Real Sociedad, on the other hand, will want to improve upon an impressive 2019/20 campaign. Their 56 points was a respectable return last season and earned them a place in the Europa League group stage - though they were still 14 points behind Sevilla who finished in the final UEFA Champions League spot.

They did also win the race to sign Manchester City star David Silva this summer, and the midfielder could make his debut this weekend.

Where to Watch on TV

When is Kick Off? Sunday 20th September
What Time is Kick Off? 20.00 (BST)
Where is it Being Played? Anoeta Stadium
TV Channel/Live Stream? Premier Player HD (UK)
Referee? Juan Martínez Munuera

Team News

Madrid have been unable to seriously add to their squad so far this summer after suffering financially from the Coronavirus pandemic. One positive is that they can finally put the Zidane vs. Gareth Bale fiasco behind them, as the Welshman will be playing Premier League football for Spurs once again this season. Sergio Reguilón will also join the north London outfit permanently, having spent last season on loan at Sevilla.

Madrid have a number of injuries to contend with this weekend. Eden Hazard, Lucas Vazquez, Isco and Marco Asensio are all out, while Mariano Diaz is also unavailable following surgery for tonsillitis. Luka Jovic and Martin Odegaard could both feature having trained with the squad on Friday.

If he does get to play, the game will be especially important to Odegaard, who impressed on loan while at Sociedad last term. He is set to finally get his chance at Madrid after signing as a 16-year-old in 2015.

Sociedad will again be missing former Madrid man Asier Illarramendi, and Luca Sangalli, Martin Merquelanz and Martin Zubimendi are all struggling with injury as well. Willian Jose could play but is still a doubt due to illness.

Predicted Lineups

Real Sociedad (4-2-3-1): Remiro; Gorosabel, Elustondo, Llorente, Muñoz; Guevara, Merino; Januzaj, López, Oyarzabal; Isak.

Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Vinícius Júnior, Benzema, Rodrygo .

'Recent' Form

Real Madrid haven't played competitively since they were knocked out of the 19/20 UEFA Champions League at the hands of Manchester City in August.

Sociedad did get their La Liga campaign underway last weekend, but they were held to a 1-1 draw by Real Valladolid, with Roberto Lopez scoring the equaliser.

Here are the last five results for each side.

Real Sociedad
Real Valladolid 1-1 Real Sociedad (13/9)
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad (19/7)
Real Sociedad 0-0 Sevilla (16/7)
Villarreal 1-2 Real Sociedad (13/7)
Real Sociedad 2-3 (10/7)

Real Madrid
Manchester City 2-1 Real Madrid (7/8)
Leganes 2-2 Real Madrid (19/9)
Real Madrid 2-1 Villarreal (16/9)
Granada 1-2 Real Madrid (13/9)
Real Madrid 2-0 Alaves (10/9)

Prediction

The last time these sides met at the Anoeta Stadium was in June, with Madrid edging that contest 2-1 thanks to goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema.

This will undoubtedly be another trick game for Los Blancos and their defence will again be tested - especially by the likes of Adnan Januzaj and Mikel Oyarzabal.

However, Madrid's talent should prevail, especially if their world-class midfield three can get control of the game early on and dictate the game, rather than giving Sociedad a chance to disrupt Madrid's early season rhythm.

Prediction: Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid