Real Madrid entered round 4 of La Liga 2025/26 in a context where many players only had a very short rest after the international break.

Xabi Alonso's goal is to try to help Real Madrid maintain the good form of the previous 3 rounds, winning all 3 points.

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Alonso returns to Anoeta Stadium. Photo: EFE

A win at Real Sociedad will help Los Blancos maintain their top spot in La Liga , as well as give them more confidence for their Champions League debut next week – against Marseille .

The injury of midfielder Antonio Rudiger, due to the “FIFA virus”, is a heavy blow to Real Madrid.

Xabi Alonso is trying to rotate players to conduct tests, as well as avoid overloading at the beginning of the season - especially when Real Madrid only have 3 weeks of pre-season.

This will be a special match for Alonso: a return to the city of San Sebastian – where the foundations of his football career were laid.

Alonso moved to San Sebastian at the age of six, playing on the beach before being trained by Real Sociedad. He progressed from the B team to the first team, moving to Liverpool, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

Alonso's coaching career also began in San Sebastian, with a stint in charge of Sociedad B.

His achievements at Sociedad B paved the way for Alonso to move to Bayer Leverkusen. There, “Professor” Xabi made history by winning the 2023/24 Bundesliga with an unbeaten record.

Success with Leverkusen brought Alonso back to the Bernabeu to replace Carlo Ancelotti, and he is already making his mark, from allowing Kylian Mbappe to operate more widely to converting Arda Guler into a central midfielder.

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Mbappe is expected to continue to shine. Photo: EFE

Alonso's work will be put to the test at Anoeta. Home side Sociedad have had a poor start to the season, failing to win after three games and picking up just two points.

However, that is what makes Alonso and Real Madrid wary. In times of trouble, Sociedad can do anything for Basque identity and pride.

The past has shown this clearly. “Los Blancos” always face many difficult challenges every time they face Sociedad.

Alonso is likely to line up with the trio of Rodrygo, Mbappe and Vinicius. Of these, the French player, who is in excellent form for both club and country, will lead Madrid's attacks.

Force:

Sociedad: O skarsson , Yangel Herrera injured.

Real Madrid: Mendy, Camavinga, Endrick, Rudiger injured.

Expected lineup:

Sociedad ( 4-3-3 ): Remiro; Aramburu, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Mu n oz; M e ndez, Gorrotxategi, Mar i n; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea .

Real Madrid ( 4-3-3 ): Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold , Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Gu ler, Tchouameni, Valverde; Rodrygo, Mbapp e, Vinicius.

Match odds: Real Madrid handicap 1

Goal ratio: 2 3/4

Prediction: Real Madrid win 2-1 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-sociedad-vs-real-madrid-vong-4-la-liga-2442066.html