Real Madrid – Real Sociedad: Los Blancos Momentum Gain Before Benfica (4-1)

On Valentine's Day, Real Madrid edged past Real Sociedad, gaining a mental push before flying to Lisbon for a clash against José Mourinho. With Mbappé watching from the bench and Arnold returning, Arbeloa's team appeared in flowing motion in attack. However, the defense was still a major concern to fix.

Tactical analysis and match report by Achraf Lamdarhri.

Neither Barcelona nor Real Madrid can afford to give the other the chance to expand the deficit and gain momentum in La Liga's contest. Under the management of Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid is still unbeaten in the league. Before the Real Sociedad clash, twelve points from four games were added to the balance. It's worth noting that Real Madrid was able to come out victorious from stadiums like Mestalla and La Ceramica, where they usually squandered points in the past. 

Real Sociedad arrived at Madrid riding their best wave of momentum in the 2025-26 season. La Real has enjoyed a nine-unbeaten streak since the appointment of the manager Pellegrino Matarazzo. The mood was boosted after they returned with a win from San Mamés over Athletic Club in the first leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final. Heading to Bernabeu, Real Sociedad missed key players in Takefusa Kubo, who picked up a hamstring injury, and Brais Méndez due to suspension. Real Sociedad sat in eighth place in the league, four points behind the European spots.

Pellegrino Matarazzo started with Aihen Muñoz as a left back and Jon Aramburu as a right back, whereas Igor Zubeldia and Jon Martín sat in the middle of the backline. Yangel . . .