Real Madrid welcomed Real Sociedad to the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, February 14, 2026, for a La Liga Matchday 24 clash that ended with a convincing 4-1 victory for the home side. The match, attended by 74,176 fans, saw Vinícius Júnior score twice to secure the three points. Below, we break down the confirmed lineups, team news, head-to-head context, and key moments from the fixture.
Confirmed Real Madrid Lineup vs Real Sociedad
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad – La Liga 2025/26
14 February 2026, 21:00 CET (20:00 BST / 15:00 ET)
Estadio Santiago Bernabéu
Confirmed by both clubs one hour before kickoff
- Real Madrid’s starting XI reflected Carlo Ancelotti’s preferred 4‑4‑2, with Trent Alexander‑Arnold at right‑back.
- Vinícius Júnior led the attack alongside Gonzalo García, while Kylian Mbappé remained on the bench.
- The midfield quartet of Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Valverde, and Camavinga provided a blend of creativity and balance.
- Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger formed the centre‑back pairing, with Álvaro Carreras at left‑back.
- Jude Bellingham was unavailable due to injury, and Éder Militão remained sidelined with a long‑term issue.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid last five La Liga results | W‑W‑D‑W‑W |
| Real Sociedad last five La Liga results | D‑W‑L‑W‑D |
| Top scorer (Real Madrid) | Vinícius Júnior (12 goals) |
| Top scorer (Real Sociedad) | Mikel Oyarzabal (7 goals) |
| Injuries (Real Madrid) | Alaba, Militão (long‑term); Bellingham (out) |
| Injuries (Real Sociedad) | Zubimendi (hamstring), Barrenetxea (ankle), Kubo (injury) |
| Kickoff time | 21:00 CET (20:00 BST / 15:00 ET) |
Real Sociedad Starting XI vs Real Madrid
Real Sociedad lined up in a 4‑4‑1‑1 formation, with Mikel Oyarzabal leading the line as captain. Manager Imanol Alguacil opted for a midfield anchored by Jon Gorrotxategi and Yangel Herrera, while Carlos Soler played in the hole behind Oyarzabal. Takefusa Kubo missed out through injury.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Álex Remiro started in goal behind a back four of Jon Aramburu, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldía, and Aihen Muñoz. The defensive unit faced sustained pressure from Madrid’s wide attackers, with Remiro making several saves but ultimately conceding four.
Midfield and Attack
Pablo Marín operated on the right, Wesley Gassova Ribeiro Teixeira on the left, and Jon Gorrotxegati partnered Yangel Herrera centrally. Oyarzabal scored from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, briefly equalising after Real Madrid’s early opener.
While most sources report a 4‑4‑1‑1, some match trackers listed Real Sociedad in a 4‑2‑3‑1 shape. The slight variation likely reflects positional shifts during the game rather than a different tactical plan.
Match Preview: Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad – Team News, Injuries & Predictions
Team news and injuries
For Real Madrid, Éder Militão and David Alaba were long‑term absentees. Jude Bellingham missed the match due to injury, as confirmed by FotMob. Real Sociedad were without Takefusa Kubo (injury). Pre‑match reports had flagged possible issues for Yangel Herrera and Mikel Oyarzabal, but both started the game.
Key players to watch
Vinícius Júnior was the standout performer with two goals. For Real Sociedad, Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty underlined his importance, while Carlos Soler’s ability to link midfield and attack remained a threat.
Predicted vs confirmed lineups
Most previews predicted a 4‑3‑3 for Real Sociedad, but the confirmed lineup showed a 4‑4‑1‑1. Real Madrid’s XI matched widespread predictions, with the only surprise being Gonzalo García starting ahead of Kylian Mbappé, who was used as an unused substitute.
Carlo Ancelotti confirmed in his pre‑match press conference that the lineup would be decided after the final training session. This meant that Jude Bellingham’s absence was only confirmed shortly before the official team sheet was released.
Head-to-Head History and Lineup Trends
Historical record
Real Madrid hold a commanding lead in La Liga head‑to‑head meetings, with 90 wins against Real Sociedad’s 27. However, Sociedad have won two of the last five encounters, including a 1‑0 result in the 2025 season. The Bernabéu has traditionally been a fortress for Madrid.
Lineup trends
Over recent seasons, Real Madrid have alternated between 4‑3‑3 and 4‑4‑2, while Real Sociedad have consistently favoured a 4‑2‑3‑1 or 4‑3‑3. The 2026 match saw both sides deploy variations: Madrid in a midfield‑heavy 4‑4‑2, Sociedad in a compact 4‑4‑1‑1.
How to Watch Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Live Stream, TV, Kickoff Time
The match kicked off at 21:00 CET (20:00 BST, 15:00 ET) at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Broadcasters included Orange TV and Movistar LaLiga in Spain, with Sky Sports and ESPN providing coverage internationally. Attendance was 74,176.
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Live Score and Match Updates
Below is a timeline of key events from the match, sourced from Sky Sports and ESPN.
- – Trent Alexander‑Arnold provided an assist for the opening goal (Sky Sports).
- – Dean Huijsen received a yellow card (Sky Sports).
- – Mikel Oyarzabal scored a penalty for Real Sociedad (Sky Sports).
- – Álvaro Carreras provided an assist (Sky Sports).
- – Multiple substitutions: Carvajal, Alaba for Madrid; Herrera, Oyarzabal off for Sociedad.
- – More subs: Ceballos, Brahim Díaz for Madrid.
- – Jorge Cestero entered for Madrid.
- – Real Madrid 4‑1 Real Sociedad, with Vinícius Júnior scoring a double (ESPN).
What Is Certain and Uncertain About the Lineups?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Real Madrid’s starting XI as confirmed by club channels before kickoff. | Jude Bellingham’s start depended on a late fitness test – he ultimately did not play. |
| Real Sociedad’s starting XI as confirmed by club channels. | Yangel Herrera and Mikel Oyarzabal were listed as doubts in early previews but started. |
| Venue, date, and kickoff time were fixed. | Real Sociedad’s exact formation was reported as both 4‑4‑1‑1 and 4‑2‑3‑1 depending on the source. |
What Does This Match Mean for Both Teams?
Real Madrid came into the match on a strong run, aiming for a fourth consecutive win and sitting top of the table. The victory strengthened their title charge. For Real Sociedad, the loss was a setback as they seek to secure a top‑four finish. The result also highlighted the tactical battle between Carlo Ancelotti and Imanol Alguacil, with Madrid’s 4‑4‑2 exploiting the flanks effectively.
What Did the Managers Say Before the Match?
“We have a strong squad and we’re ready. The lineup will be decided after the final training session.”
Carlo Ancelotti, pre‑match press conference, 13 Feb 2026 (via managingmadrid.com)
“We know Real Madrid are dangerous at home, but we have our own weapons.”
Imanol Alguacil, Real Sociedad manager, via OneFootball preview
What’s Next for Real Madrid and Real Sociedad?
Real Madrid face Manchester City in the Champions League next week, which may prompt rotation in the coming fixtures. Real Sociedad host Athletic Bilbao in a Basque derby, where Alguacil is likely to field the same XI if his key players are fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the history of lineups between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad?
Over the years, lineups have varied greatly. In the 2025/26 season, Real Madrid have used a 4‑4‑2 or 4‑3‑3, while Sociedad usually field a 4‑3‑3. Full historical lineup data is available via football databases like Transfermarkt.
How have Real Madrid and Real Sociedad performed in recent matches?
Real Madrid are unbeaten in their last five La Liga games (4 wins, 1 draw). Real Sociedad have 2 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss in the same period.
What is the score of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad?
The final score was Real Madrid 4‑1 Real Sociedad. For live updates, refer to official broadcasters such as Sky Sports or ESPN.
Where can I get live match updates?
Live updates are available on this page (if equipped with a live tracker) or via official broadcasters such as DAZN, Sky Sports, or ESPN.
Was Kylian Mbappé injured?
Mbappé was listed in the squad but remained an unused substitute. No injury was reported; his absence from the starting XI was likely a tactical decision by Ancelotti.
Who scored for Real Madrid?
Vinícius Júnior scored twice, with additional goals from other players. The exact scorers were not fully detailed in the research, but Vinícius was confirmed as the double scorer (ESPN).
What formation did Real Madrid use?
Real Madrid lined up in a 4‑4‑2, with a midfield quartet of Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Valverde, and Camavinga.
Who was the referee for the match?
The referee information was not included in the available research materials.
How many substitutions did Real Madrid make?
Real Madrid made four substitutions: Carvajal (60′), Alaba (60′), Ceballos (73′), Brahim Díaz (73′), and Cestero (79′).
Is Jude Bellingham expected back soon?
There was no timeline provided for Bellingham’s return. His absence was confirmed for this match due to injury.
Rebecca Wallace is Managing Editor at MarketUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and article commissioning.