Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Tips & Predictions
Real Madrid started the 2023/24 La Liga campaign in the best way possible as they recorded four straight wins and currently top the league table. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have struggled so far as they recorded one win and three draws before the international break and currently sit in eighth place.
On Sunday, September 17, the two teams will face off at Santiago Bernabeu, with the kick-off set for 9 pm local time. Real Sociedad, considering their start, definitely need the win more. However, Real Madrid will look to continue their winning streak as the previous campaign taught them that they cannot afford to drop in the early stages, otherwise it becomes difficult catching up with the competition. Nevertheless, as you will see in our Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad tips, we expect a cautious approach from the two teams.
Both teams to score? Yes 1.90
Last year, the match between the two teams at Santiago Bernabeu ended in a goalless draw. However, the score is a bit deceiving as both teams had clear scoring opportunities – Real Madrid through their endless possession and Real Sociedad through their quick counters.
We expect the match on Sunday to follow a similar scenario, the only difference being that the two teams will actually score at least once. Real Sociedad are much more fragile defensively than they were last season, which is proven by them keeping just one clean sheet in four matches or the three goals they conceded at home to Granada. Real Madrid aren’t perfect defensively either, especially with Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao out with injuries. If Almeria and Getafe managed to score past Los Blancos, surely Immanol Alguacil’s men can do the same. Bet365 gives 1.90 odds on both teams scoring.
Under 9 corners
Another thing to expect is a low number of corners in the game, as Bet365 offers an attractive 2.10 odds on under 9 corners on Sunday.
The battle between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad will most likely happen in the middle of the pitch. Carlo Ancelotti now bets more on his midfield than on his wingers (especially with Vinicius Junior out with an injury), hence deploying the 4-4-2 diamond formation. Alguacil uses a similar system at La Real, so it will be one team trying to keep possession and the other pressing relentlessly.
This should result in a low number of shots on target and thus in a low number of corner kicks. If the score is level towards the end of the match, it’s most likely that the teams may be happy with the one point considering their calendars ahead.
Number of goals in Match? 2-3 goals
Continuing with the same line of thought, there should not be a goalfest at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend. Defensive problems on both sides will probably lead to two or three goals in the game but not more, since the teams are only coming after the international break and have other important matches ahead of them. Bet365 offers 2.05 odds on there being two or three goals in the game.
As mentioned above, a win is the favourable outcome for both teams but the match is not important enough for either side to be dissatisfied with a draw. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Takefusa Kubo and Rodrygo have been in good form recently, so at least somebody should be able to find a net. But more than three goals when the Champions League is up next? Unlikely.
Please remember to always gamble responsibly. Treat our Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad tips as a suggestion rather than a call to action. Always rely on your own judgement first and foremost.