Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Match details
United Kingdom & Ireland: Bet365! United States: Fubo TV!
Match: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
Competition: Spain’s top flight: La Liga
Date: September 20, 2020
Kick-off time: 8:00 pm, September 20, 2020 (UK time)
Stadium: Reale Arena
Real Madrid begin their La Liga title defence away to Real Sociedad on Sunday at 8:00 PM.
Los Blancos finished five points clear of fierce rivals Barcelona last season to lift the Spanish top-flight trophy for only the second time in the past eight years.
That said, after a last-16 exit in the Champions League to Manchester City and little activity in the transfer window so far, fans will be looking on with intrigue and demand at Zidane during these formative stages.
Sociedad enjoyed a positive season themselves in 2019/20, finishing sixth and qualifying for the Europa League. The addition of legendary Spanish playmaker David Silva to their ranks should make them an even more interesting prospect this time around, although they will look to improve on their 1-1 draw with Valladolid last time out.
Where to watch Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid on TV:
- UK: La Liga TV
- US: beIN Sports
Where to live stream Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid:
UK: Bet365* are streaming this match live for account holders. Those without a Bet365 account already who are interested in streaming Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid live can take advantage of this service by following the simple steps below.
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Real Sociedad & Real Madrid’s previous line-ups:
- Real Sociedad (vs Valladolid): Remiro; Gorosabel, Elustondo, Diego Llorente, Munoz; Zubeldia*; Portu, Alcaide, Merino, Barrenetxea; Isak.
- Real Madrid (vs Man City): Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Militao, Mendy; Modric, Casemiro, Kroos; Rodrygo, Benzema, Hazard*.
Igor Zubeldia has a knee problem and is likely to drop out of the midfield, while Asier Illarramendi, Luca Sangalli, Maritn Merquelanz and Martin Zubimendi are all out. Willian Jose is a doubt, but David Silva and Nacho Monreal are in contention.
Zinedine Zidane has an even higher volume of injury concerns but Eden Hazard aside, his starting XI should be relatively in-tact. Lucas Vazquez, Marco Asensio, Isco and Mariano Diaz are out, while Eder Militao and Luka Jovic are doubts. Former Sociedad loanee Martin Odegaard is available for selection for Los Blancos.
Players to watch:
Real Sociedad: Fans will have been pleased to see Mikel Oyarzabal coming off the bench still in a Real Sociedad shirt during their 1-1 draw Valladolid last time out and was Imanol Alguacil’s chief goalscorer and chance creator last season. The Spaniard netted 10 goals in 37 La Liga appearances in 2019/20 while also registering an impressive 11 assists and completing more take-ons (67) than any other player at the club. He’s likely to be the one asking the most questions of Real Madrid’s defence in this one.
Real Madrid: Rather than strengthen their title-winning side, Real Madrid have chosen to trim the fat, parting ways with the likes of James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale. With that in mind, much of the responsibility to deliver the goals for Zidane will be placed upon Karim Benzema once again. The French striker netted an impressive 21 La Liga goals for the second season in a row during in 2019/20 and bagged four times against Getafe during a recent 6-0 behind-closed-doors friendly win. There’s still time for Madrid to add to their squad but for now, Benzema will be expected to lead the way.
Scoreline prediction: Real Sociedad 1-1 Real Madrid
Event details:
NAME: Real Sociedad – Real Madrid
DATE: 20 Sep 2020
TIME: 19:00 UTC
VENUE: Reale Arena, San Sebastian, Spain
Real Madrid kick off their title defence in San Sebastián.
Los Blancos won ten Liga games in a row after the lockdown to storm to the title, finishing five points clear of Barcelona.
That was only the third time in 13 seasons they’ve been Champions of Spain but they’re going for title number 35 this year.
Zinedine Zidane’s side are big favourites to win the league once again but will they start with a win?
Real Sociedad meanwhile started their season last weekend with a 1-1 draw at Estadio José Zorrilla.
Roberto López’s second half equaliser seeing them get a point off Real Valladolid.
Last season, Imanol Alguacil’s La Real finished in sixth place so will be in the UEFA Europa League group stages after two seasons out of continental competition.