Madrid, captained by the England international, hosts Real Sociedad tonight at the Bernabéu, where a Basque side arrives in high spirits after a decisive win.
Real Madrid and Real Sociedad meet this Sunday evening at the Santiago Bernabéu, with the league leaders taking on a Basque club that just celebrated its first league victory of the season in dominant fashion.
Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, led on the field by Pichichi contender Jude Bellingham, have won their previous four league matches and sit atop EA Sports’ 2023-24 LaLiga rankings with a firm grip. With Vinícius Jr. still out and Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao sidelined for the foreseeable future, but Dani Ceballos returning to action, Madrid will aim to extend their winning run along the road to the title.
In contrast, Real Sociedad has just netted five goals against Granada and used the international break to recover players who were carrying knocks. Takefusa Kubo remains Madrid’s most pressing threat and will return to a ground that once felt like home, ready to break through the defense once again.
Key considerations:
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Real Madrid has dropped points in three of their last five home games against Real Sociedad (W2 D2 L1), though they had won their previous nine league home games against the Basque side.
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Real Sociedad have not lost in their last two meetings with Real Madrid in LaLiga (W1 D1), keeping a clean sheet in both clashes. The last time the txuri-urdin team played three successive league games without defeat against the white team was May 2004 (P5 W4 D1).
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Real Madrid has failed to score in both recent LaLiga matches against Real Sociedad (D1 L1). Only Deportivo de La Coruña in 2004-2005 and Barcelona in 2009-2010 have had longer three-match scoring droughts against Madrid in the 21st century.
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Real Madrid has an opportunity to win five straight LaLiga games to start a season for the second time in club history, having achieved it in 22/23 and then again later. The club’s best-ever league start dates back to 68/69, when the team won their first nine league matches.
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Real Sociedad have lost only one of their last thirteen LaLiga fixtures (W7 D5), a 2-1 defeat to Atlético on the penultimate matchday of 22/23, and have not lost this season (W1 D3). The last time San Sebastián began a LaLiga campaign unbeaten in their first five games was 02/03 (W4 D1), finishing second overall.
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Real Madrid ranks as the most prolific shot-taking side in LaLiga 23/24, both in total shots (75) and on target (32). Yet the goal conversion rate sits at 10.7 percent, the lowest after the first four rounds since 13/14 when eight goals came from 81 attempts.
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Real Sociedad leads counter-attacking attempts in LaLiga 23/24 with eight transitions, six of which end in a shot and two result in goals, the highest figure in the league this season.
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Jude Bellingham has found the net in every one of his first four LaLiga appearances this season (five goals) and could join Zlatan Ibrahimović as the second player to score in his first five LaLiga matches in the 21st century.
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Takefusa Kubo, after his double against Granada, now has 18 goals in 133 LaLiga appearances, becoming Japan’s all-time top scorer in the competition (ahead of Takashi Inui with 16 in 166).
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Carlo Ancelotti has a 50 percent win rate against Imanol Alguacil in LaLiga (P4 W2 D1 L1). Among coaches faced at least four times, his win percentage is notably lower only against Diego Simeone, Luis Enrique, Unai Emery, and Manuel Pellegrini when matched multiple times.
Time and venue for Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad in LaLiga 2023-24
Where to watch Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad live online in La Liga 2023-2024: TV and streaming
Television and channels: how to watch and hire access
As in recent seasons, LaLiga games in Spain are available on pay-TV, with open broadcasts on Gol TV on occasion. The matches are also accessible through major platforms and services, each offering different subscription routes.
Movistar+
Movistar+ provides several Fusion package options, allowing viewers to watch channels alongside fiber or mobile services. Several routes exist so fans can choose the one that suits them best.
Orange TV
Orange TV is another solid choice for those who want to follow LaLiga, the Segunda Division, the Champions League and more. Movistar+ rights are shared with other platforms, and it is possible to subscribe to Movistar via Orange TV to watch LaLiga 2023-2024 here.
DAZN
From last season, LaLiga matches are also available via DAZN, which streams five matches per week exclusively on its platform. On a few days, three matches are shown exclusively on Movistar+. DAZN can be accessed through the Movistar+ app for convenience. For questions, contact service providers directly.
Streaming: Where to watch and how to subscribe
Movistar+
LaLiga can be watched on any internet-enabled device in Spain, either through the Movistar+ app or via the official website. An electronic key makes weekly match access straightforward. More information can be found at ver.movistarplus.es.
The Movistar+ app is available on iOS and Google Play, and there are Smart TV apps as well, offering a tailored viewing experience.
Every match is shown live when scheduled, with rebroadcasts and on-demand options available for flexible viewing.
How to watch DAZN in Spain: signup, pricing and device compatibility
DAZN is a sports streaming service offering a wide range of leagues and events. Subscriptions and package options can be explored by following the available links on the provider’s site.
DAZN entered the international stage in 2016 and expanded into Canada in 2017, the United States in 2018, and several other markets. The company has emphasized affordable access and flexible viewing, with LaLiga added to its portfolio in recent years.
Relevant notes on expansion and coverage have been provided by the company’s leadership and public statements.
Endnote: Information compiled from league reports and broadcaster announcements.