La Liga 2020/21: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid – tactical preview

After lifting the La Liga crown two months ago to the day, Real Madrid returns to the pitch defend their title. First on the docket is a match against one of La Liga’s most exciting teams during 2019/20, Real Sociedad.

After a disappointing road draw against Real Valladolid, La Real will look to get back on track against the defending champions. To boost the prospects of Imanol Alguacil’s side, David Silva is fit and likely to play.

In this tactical analysis, we’ll highlight the key tactics in this tilt, including Real Sociedad’s all too familiar issues in front of goal last time out and which adjustments they’ll make against Madrid. Much like the matchup in June, expect Real Madrid to focus their attack in the wings. We’ll dive into those tactics and show why that could cause issues for this Sociedad defence.

Predicted lineups

Real Sociedad predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Álex Remiro; Andoni Gorosabel, Aritz Elustondo, Diego Llorente, Aihen Muñoz; Ander Guevara, Mikel Merino, Roberto López; Adnan Januzaj, Alexander Isak, Mikel Oyarzabal

Alguacil has a few injuries to cope with, but he’ll have most of his core group in the lineup. Look for Remiro in goal, Gorosabel and Muñoz on the wings and then Elustondo and Llorente making up the centre of the defence. In midfield, the double pivot will likely feature Guevara and Merino with Januzaj, López, and Oyarzabal in attacking roles. Isak will play as the lone striker, looking to replicate his Copa del Rey success against this Real Madrid backline.

Nacho Monreal is one of the injury concerns. If he’s fit, look for his to start at left-back for Muñoz, who had a poor showing against Real Valladolid. David Silva has recovered from COVID-19 and trained with the team this week, so he should play some role, likely off of the bench.

Real Madrid predicted lineup (4-3-3): Thibaut Courtois; Dani Carvajal, Raphaël Varane, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo; Toni Kroos, Casemiro, Luka Modrić; Rodrygo, Karim Benzema, Vinícius Júnior

Real Madrid is dealing with a number of injuries, but Zinedine Zidane’s side won’t be too far from his preferred selection. Courtois gets the start in goal with a backline of Carvajal, Varane, Ramos and Marcelo. Casemiro takes up the #6, Kroos will be the left-sided regista and Modrić will play a more advanced role in the right half space. At forward, look for a line of Rodrygo, Benzema and Vinícius Júnior.