Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Match preview | OneFootball

The Santiago Bernabeu hosts Real Madrid for the last time this season as they take on Real Sociedad in the final match day.

It is expected to be an emotional evening for the Bernabeu faithful and fans worldwide as Carlo Ancelotti, Luka Modric, and Lucas Vazquez bid farewell to the club. Ancelotti will join the Brazil national team, and the duo’s time at Real Madrid will be up after the Club World Cup.

It has been a topsy-turvy La Liga season for the Merengues, who were at one point comfortably ahead of their arch-rivals FC Barcelona.

One of the most important reasons, arguably, was the man in goal: Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian has not only helped the side win but also prevented losses from being turned into humiliating ones.

Moreover, Raul Asencio is expected to be back on the side after missing out last week, as the duo of Jesus Vallejo and Jacobo Ramon had a decent outing against Sevilla.

Meanwhile, in midfield, Modric will weave his magic one last time at the Bernabeu, and the crowd will hope for another masterful performance. Dani Ceballos, on the other hand, hasn’t been like Modric’s partner in crime, Toni Kroos, but he has performed way above expectations and may have just saved his spot in Xabi Alonso’s squad.

On the attacking front, Kylian Mbappe would look to seal the Pichichi in what started as a quiet season for the Frenchman but now ends up having his name in the record books, as he scored the most goals by a player in his debut season at Real Madrid – with the Club World Cup still to go.

Real Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe celebrates after scoring against Sevilla FC. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Madrid’s opponents, Real Sociedad, were unable to punch above their weight this season, currently sitting in 11th and could only end up at 10th in the table.

Their attacking woes in the league may have been one of the causes for such a season, having scored just 35 goals in 37 matches – only Getafe and relegated side Real Valladolid had fewer. Mikel Oyarzabal has been the club’s leading goal scorer in La Liga with 9 goals in 34 matches, and as always, will have responsibility on his shoulders this evening.

Defensively, they’ve neither been too good nor bad, but a certain French striker up front can cause danger with the form he is in. Plus, even Real Sociedad can take advantage of a weakened Madrid defense, put a smile on their traveling fans’ faces, and end a below-average season on a high.

Carlo Ancelotti, meanwhile, would be eager to end his stint on a high note. Despite not winning any major trophies this season, the Italian led the club to 11 titles, including 2 UCLs and 2 La Liga titles, after taking charge in 2021.

Tears might be shed as three club legends bid farewell to the club and deserve a reception to remember in front of a packed Santiago Bernabeu.