Real Sociedad 1 - 2 FT Real Madrid

Güler and Mbappé guide Madrid through ten-man ordeal against Sociedad

Highly Entertaining Futmetrix Score: 75/100. In a match of relentless intensity punctuated by Dean Huijsen's 32nd-minute dismissal, Real Madrid proved their championship mettle by holding firm against a Real Sociedad side fighting relegation.

Dominance, then defiance

Real Madrid dictated the early tempo with surgical precision. Kylian Mbappé struck first in the 12th minute, capitalizing on Sociedad's defensive fragility to give the visitors an early stranglehold. The balance of play was entirely Madrid's: 39 shots attempted versus Sociedad's 23. Then came the inflection point. Dean Huijsen's professional foul in the 32nd minute earned a straight red, transforming a controlled masterclass into a test of character.

Playing with ten men, Madrid retreated but never panicked. Arda Güler delivered the knockout blow before halftime—a clinical finish from Mbappé's assist in the 44th minute made it 2-0. Sociedad, desperate for points in their relegation battle, refused to fold. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 56th minute to set up a tense finale, but Madrid's resolve held.

Stakes and season trajectories

For Madrid, this victory extends their perfect record: four wins from four, 12 points, +6 goal difference. For Sociedad, the result deepens their crisis—17th place, just 2 points from four matches, with only two draws to show for their efforts. Dani Ceballos orchestrated Madrid's midfield with precision, enabling control even in numerical disadvantage.

The statistics reveal Madrid's clinical efficiency: 77% pass accuracy, six shots on target, 2.42 xG converted into two goals. Sociedad, despite 64% possession and 86% pass accuracy, couldn't overcome Madrid's defensive organization. Sixteen corners and 2.23 xG proved insufficient against a team operating at championship level. This wasn't a triumph of luck—it was the mark of a title contender.

Desperation Meets Dominance

Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 47/100. Real Sociedad’s early-season struggles put them in a direct line of fire against a clinical Real Madrid side currently operating at a different level.

The Setup

As the action heads to the stadium on September 13, 2025, the narrative is split between a fight for survival and a march toward another title. Real Sociedad enters this fixture languishing in 16th place, having secured just two points from their opening three matches. The Stakes couldn't be higher for the hosts, who need to stabilize their season before the pressure becomes unbearable. Conversely, Real Madrid arrives with a perfect record and a galaxy of Stars. Their Form is imperious, and the tactical Balance provided by their midfield allows their explosive forwards to exploit even the slightest defensive lapse.

Key Battle

The match will be won or lost in the tactical discipline of the Real Sociedad backline against Madrid's fluid attacking rotation. Without specific markers assigned, the home side’s defensive unit must operate with perfect synchronicity to track runners from deep. Madrid’s ability to transition from defense to attack in seconds will force the Sociedad midfield into a high-intensity tracking game that often leaves gaps for world-class finishers to exploit.

Our Prediction

Expect Real Madrid to control the tempo and wait for the inevitable fatigue of a defending Sociedad. While the hosts might find a goal through a set-piece or a rare counter, Madrid’s individual quality is too vast to contain for 90 minutes. A 1-3 victory for the visitors looks likely as they use their superior bench strength to pull away late in the game.