Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday in what promises to be an emotionally charged conclusion to their La Liga campaign. The match, scheduled for May 24 at 17:15 local time, marks the 38th and final round of the Spanish top-flight season.
The fixture carries significant emotional weight for the home side as it represents Carlo Ancelotti's final match at the helm of Los Blancos. The Italian tactician will pass the baton to incoming manager Xabi Alonso after what has been a challenging season for the Madrid giants.
Following their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final and a comprehensive 5-1 aggregate elimination by Arsenal in the Champions League, Madrid will be determined to finish their domestic campaign on a high note.
Perhaps most poignantly, the match will serve as Croatian maestro Luka Modric's farewell appearance at the Bernabeu. The midfield legend departs after an illustrious 13-year spell that yielded an impressive 28 trophies.
According to Statbet, Real Madrid has established clear dominance in recent encounters with Real Sociedad, securing victories in all three meetings this season, including their Copa del Rey semifinal clash.
The visitors from San Sebastian are also experiencing a period of transition. Manager Imanol Alguacil will lead the Basque side for the final time after a disappointing campaign that sees them finish 11th and miss out on European competition. Their last league victory at the Bernabeu dates back to January 2019.
The expected lineups feature Courtois in goal for Madrid behind a defense of Valverde, Asensio, Vallejo, and Garcia. Modric, Tchouameni, and Ceballos should patrol the midfield, with Güler, Mbappé, and Vinicius Junior forming a potent attacking trio.
For Real Sociedad, Remiro is expected to start in goal, protected by Traore, Zubeldia, Elustondo, and Muñoz in defense. Zubimendi, Marín, and Sucic will likely comprise the midfield, while Kubo, Oyarzabal, and Barrenetxea are set to lead the attack.
With farewells and fresh starts on the horizon for both clubs, Saturday's encounter looks set to provide an intriguing conclusion to the Spanish league season.
