Laliga: Things To Know As Real Madrid Welcome Real Sociedad In Matchday Two

José Mourinho returns to the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night as Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in their first La Liga home game of the season. Mourinho’s second spell in charge began with a late victory at Espanyol, secured by Carlos Espí’s poacher’s finish. Madrid’s familiar weaknesses were again exposed……

José Mourinho returns to the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday night as Real Madrid host Real Sociedad in their first La Liga home game of the season.

Mourinho’s second spell in charge began with a late victory at Espanyol, secured by Carlos Espí’s poacher’s finish. Madrid’s familiar weaknesses were again exposed in Catalonia, but Mourinho will be more satisfied addressing those issues after a win than following a disappointing draw.

Barcelona’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Elche has, however, underlined the challenge facing Los Blancos as they attempt to dethrone the reigning champions.

Real Sociedad will provide another stern test in midweek after beginning their campaign with a narrow defeat at Real Betis.

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Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side enjoyed a strong spell last season and were among Europe’s in-form teams before an inconsistent run-in saw them finish 10th. Their Copa del Rey final victory over Atlético Madrid nevertheless ensured a memorable campaign for La Real, who have won only seven major honours in their history.

Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Score Prediction

Mourinho Enjoys Successful Homecoming

Mourinho has yet to transform Madrid’s attacking stars, Jude Bellingham aside, into relentless workers without the ball. The returning manager is likely to face the same defensive and tactical challenges that confronted his predecessors, potentially limiting what Los Blancos can achieve this season.

That does not mean Madrid cannot be an outstanding side. They possess an abundance of attacking and defensive quality, while their understated summer additions have already begun to prove valuable.

There will be high expectations at the Bernabéu on Wednesday as Madrid’s latest generation of Galácticos seek consecutive victories to begin the new La Liga campaign. With Barcelona already setting the pace, these are the type of home fixtures Madrid must win.

Kylian Mbappé’s record vs. Real Sociedad: The Frenchman endured a difficult start to the campaign despite looking sharp during his World Cup Golden Boot-winning run. He struggled to find his rhythm at the weekend but has an impressive record against Sociedad, scoring seven goals in six appearances against them.

La Real’s Bernabéu woes: Sociedad pushed Madrid hard in the Copa del Rey semi-finals two seasons ago but have failed to beat Los Blancos in their last eight meetings. They have also won only twice at the Bernabéu this century.

Sociedad stagnation: The visitors failed to win any of their final eight La Liga matches last season, and that poor run continued with defeat at Betis in their opening game this campaign. With no major additions during the summer, concerns remain that the Copa del Rey holders could struggle to progress in 2026-27.

Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Real Sociedad