Real Madrid are back in action tonight as they get set to take on Real Sociedad in Matchday 24 of the 2025/26 La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Despite not being in the best of form, the Merengues have won seven matches in a row in La Liga, which has allowed them stay within one point of leaders Barcelona.
And with Hansi Flick’s men not playing until Monday night, Real Madrid have an excellent opportunity to go to the top of the table with a win today and put pressure on their rivals.
However, it will be anything but straightforward, considering that Real Sociedad have been on a strong run of form under Pellegrino Matarazzo.
La Real are currently on an 11-game unbeaten run across all competitions, which includes a league win over Barcelona and a cup victory over Athletic Club in the semi-final first leg.
The reverse fixture saw Real Madrid pick up a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad despite being reduced to ten men. Alvaro Arbeloa & co. will be hoping to bag another three points tonight and here’s how the manager could set his team up at the Bernabeu.
Defence
Thibaut Courtois has been one of Real Madrid’s most consistent performers this season and will continue to be a permanent fixture in the starting lineup.
Meanwhile, there is set to be a major change in the defensive line as Dani Carvajal is expected to start at right-back. Having been fit for over a month, the club captain has barely featured under Arbeloa. But he is finally expected to get his opportunity.
On the opposite side, Alvaro Carreras will continue to operate as Real Madrid’s left-back.
Meanwhile, Raul Asencio, having recovered from his flu, should continue to pair up with Dean Huijsen at the heart of the defence. Antonio Rudiger, however, is expected to get some minutes at some stage in the game.
Midfield
Set to start in midfield. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
There could be a notable change in the midfield unit as well, with Federico Valverde likely to be rested keeping an eye on the upcoming game against Benfica.
It could pave the way for Arda Guler to start in the centre of the park, where he will be tasked with providing the creativity and vision. After all the noise surrounding him due to claims from his former coach, the Turkish international will be eager to perform on the field.
Guler is expected to be paired up with the French duo of Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga, with the latter gaining prominence in the team under Arbeloa.
Attack
Moving up ahead, Real Madrid will welcome Vinicius Jr. back to the team after he is available again having served his one-match ban against Valencia. The Brazilian will take his place on the left flank of the attacking unit as usual.
Kylian Mbappe, who has recovered from some minor knee discomfort, will spearhead the Merengues attack, aiming to add his tally which stands at 38 goals this season.
With no Rodrygo due to injury, Franco Mastantuono should get another opportunity to nail down his place on the right flank.