Spanish football is back following a brief break for international football, with Euro 2024 qualifiers and friendlies played last weekend and in midweek. Players have reported back to their club teams and are ready to return to the pursuit of points and league position. The play begins on Friday evening when Rayo Vallecano hosts Alaves in a game you can follow live on television. Saturday brings four games, and Sunday presents another four-game schedule. We focus on the final day of the week when Real Madrid host Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid enjoys the home advantage for matchday five in the Spanish top-flight season, and you can follow the play on TV and live-streaming apps from 20:00 GMT. It’s the final game of the weekend and one worth waiting for as Madrid aims to add the three points needed to challenge for pole position while Sociedad takes confidence from a four-game unbeaten run and win last time. Which team will end on top this weekend? Keep reading to find out as our team of football writers previews the game.
Madrid leads from the front
Real Madrid surrendered their La Liga title to Barcelona last term in an unexpected collapse. Barca’s off-field financial woes that led to them losing Lionel Messi to PSG suggested they could be out of commission as a challenger for a few seasons at least. The year Madrid won the league last was a poor effort from Barca, allowing Blancos to cross the finish line almost unchallenged. But it was Barcelona that won the league at a canter last term, leaving Madrid choking in their dust.
The locals now have a point to prove, and fans want to see them back on top of La Liga while challenging for Champions League glory. Madrid is the most successful team ever to play Champions League football, but you wouldn’t have guessed it from their efforts last term. This year has started better, with Real winning their first four, scoring eight goals and conceding two. They top the league, already enjoying a two-point cushion over Girona and Barca in second place.
Bet hereSociedad unbeaten in four
Followers of Real Sociedad didn’t know what to expect from their team this season. Would they be one of a few sides pushing hard for a European finish or would they sink towards the danger zone and suffer the threat of relegation? Whatever your predictions for Sociedad for the campaign ahead, few pundits predicted they’d travel to Milan with an unbeaten record. Real Sociedad boards the team coach with six points gained from a possible dozen thanks to three draws and a win.
Sociedad avoided defeat in their opening three games when finishing level with Girona and Celta Viga, both games ending 1-1 before a goalless finish away to Las Palmas rounded off August with supporters given more questions than answers. Three draws is a decent base to build, and Sociedad opened September with an eye-catching 5-3 home victory over Granada in a game that had it all. Five goals and four different scorers will add confidence to the ranks, with Sociedad believing they can challenge Real Madrid, but only if they tighten a defence that has conceded five goals in four games.
Real Madrid v Real Sociedad prediction
Real Madrid is the home team with a 100% record after four games. They are in pole position and will enjoy the backing of the support with the stands aiming to drive their team to goals and a comfortable three points. The crowd should help Madrid play to the best of their abilities, and if they do, it’s challenging to see them lose this game. Real Madrid firing will sink most teams at this venue.
Sociedad are under no illusions as they arrive in Madrid to face the league leaders. They are unbeaten in four games but have three draws on the board. Making themselves difficult to beat, especially on the road, will help Sociedad realise their aspirations this season. Do they have what it takes to get something from this game? A draw would be a decent return.
La Liga odds
The pre-game betting odds are available on the 22bet website and mobile app. Real Madrid is the early favourites, and you can back a home win at 1.63, either as a single or as part of your weekend accumulators. Then we have an away win for Real Sociedad, which is less likely according to the traders with 5.2 trading about an away win. Another draw for Sociedad may attract attention at 4.04.
22bet members aren’t restricted to choosing the winner of this game, with several specials and unique markets available. There’s match-winner but also both teams to score, total goals, number of cards, a penalty to be awarded, and more. You’ll find something to suit every game and budget at 22bet.
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