Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Match preview | La Liga

Real Madrid are back in action on Wednesday as they host Real Sociedad in their first home match of the 2026-27 season. Jose Mourinho’s side are hoping to make it two wins from two following their last-gasp victory over Espanyol at the weekend, and although they produced an underwhelming performance in Catalonia, they should be better in front of their own supporters.

It was always going to be the case that Real Madrid would start the season slowly, given the number of players that returned to Valdebebas late due to their involvement at the 2026 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior are among those to fall into this category, and while they are nowhere near their best against Espanyol, they will surely elevate their level when La Real head to the Bernabeu.

Real Madrid have an excellent record against La Real, whom they are unbeaten against in their last eight meetings, dating back to May 2023 (2-0 at Anoeta). At the Bernabeu, Los Blancos have won 13 of the last 16 La Liga matches between the sides (D2 L1), and they will hope to make that 14 from 17 come Wednesday night.

Who will be the key men for Real Madrid?

As mentioned, it would be no surprise to see Mbappe and Vinicius up their game for La Real’s visit, especially given that they came in for criticism for their performances against Espanyol. The former has scored in all three of the La Liga matches (four goals) he has played against Wednesday’s opponents, and he will hope to continue that run. But right now, the pair are being overshadowed by Jude Bellingham, who looked back to his 2023-24 season best at the RCDE Stadium on Saturday, and he will fancy his chances of being decisive again.

Wednesday’s match is a 9pm kick-off local time (8pm BST, 2pm ET, 11am PT) at the Bernabeu, and it will be interesting to see whether Real Madrid can make it two wins from two in Mourinho’s first home match as manager in over 13 years.