The Santiago Bernabéu stages Jornada 2's headline fixture on Wednesday 26 August 2026 (21:00 CEST) as Real Madrid host Real Sociedad. Mbappé, Vinícius Jr and Bellingham lead the champions; La Real reply with Kubo, Oyarzabal and Remiro in a Basque block that can frustrate the biggest sides.
Real Madrid: team news & form
Carlo Ancelotti's Madrid deploy a 4-3-3 with Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Valverde anchoring midfield. Home Bernabéu nights remain the benchmark — Madrid rarely slip against mid-table opposition here.
Real Madrid Predicted Starting XI & Lineup · 4-3-3
Official lineups confirmed 1 hour before kick-off.
Real Sociedad: team news & form
Imanol Alguacil's Sociedad play structured 4-3-3 with Kubo as the primary creator and Oyarzabal the penalty taker. Remiro is among La Liga's most reliable keepers; away trips demand compactness.
Tactical battle
Madrid's wide overloads — Vinícius vs Aramburu, Rodrygo vs Muñoz — should create chances; Sociedad need Kubo and Oyarzabal to combine on the break.
Prediction & fantasy picks
- Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, FWD): default captaincy candidate at home.
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid, MID): late runs into the box.
- Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad, MID): return to former club narrative.
- Predictor: Real Madrid 3–1 Real Sociedad.
Prediction
Madrid's firepower at the Bernabéu proves too much. Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Real Sociedad.