Real Madrid Faces Real Sociedad: LaLiga Return and Mastantuono’s Moment

Following the international break, Real Madrid is set to resume its season with a busy schedule. They will first face Real Sociedad away in LaLiga on Saturday, before turning their attention to the Champions League with a home match against Olympique Marseille on Tuesday at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu. Under Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid has had a strong start to the LaLiga season, leading the standings with nine points after three games and conceding only one goal. This match against Real Sociedad is crucial as it will test the team`s depth and preparation for the upcoming European campaign, especially given the need for squad rotation to manage the demanding schedule of playing every three or four days.

How to Watch Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid, Odds

The demanding schedule places particular focus on new summer signing Franco Mastantuono. Acquired from River Plate for approximately $40 million, Mastantuono is heralded as one of football`s brightest young talents. His recent appearance for Argentina during the international break, where he notably wore the number ten jersey (often associated with Lionel Messi), has heightened expectations. Comparisons to Barcelona`s emerging star Lamine Yamal are inevitable, with many wondering if Mastantuono could be the next major sensation for the Spanish giants. Coach Xabi Alonso, however, emphasizes the need for patience, allowing the young player time to adapt to a new country, league, and the intense daily pressure at Real Madrid. While he might feature in the second half against Real Sociedad, following 151 minutes played in the first three LaLiga matches, his development will be carefully managed.

Possible Lineups

Real Sociedad XI:

• Alex Remiro; Jon Aramburu, Igor Zubeldia, Duje Caleta-Car, Aihen Munoz;
• Takefusa Kubo, Pablo Marin, Jon Gorrotxategi, Ander Barrenetxea;
• Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Mendez.

Real Madrid XI:

• Thibaut Courtois; Daniel Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras;
• Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler;
• Brahim Diaz, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior.