Real Sociedad closes the gap on the scoreboard

Arda Güler extends the lead

Dean Huijsen is sent off in a controversial play

Mbappé opens the score!

The match kicks off!

Matchday 4 of LaLiga EA Sports brings an exciting clash at the Reale Arena, where Real Sociedad will host Real Madrid in a match marked by rotations and surprises in both lineups. The game arrives at a key moment for both sides: the hosts are still chasing their first win of the season, while Los Blancos want to keep their perfect start alive.

Rotations in Xabi Alonso’s lineup

Coach Xabi Alonso has decided to rest two of his stars, Uruguayan Federico Valverde and Argentine Franco Mastantuono, who both recently featured in the World Cup 2026 qualifiers. In their place, the manager has opted for Brahim Díaz and Dani Ceballos, while moving Dani Carvajal back into the right-back role ahead of Alexander-Arnold.

Real Madrid’s starting XI: Courtois; Carvajal, Militao, Huijsen, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Ceballos, Güler; Brahim, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé.

Mbappé, voted Mahou Five-Star Player of the Month for August, spoke confidently ahead of the match: “We’re motivated to help the team and to compete for every possible title. We know this will be a tough match, but we’re ready to try to win.”

Surprises in Real Sociedad’s XI

For the txuri-urdin, coach Sergio Francisco introduced several surprises in his lineup. The last-minute absence of Luka Sucic due to illness opened the door for Mikel Goti to make his first-ever start in LaLiga. Portuguese forward Gonçalo Guedes replaces the injured Take Kubo, while Elustondo comes into defense in place of Jon Mikel Aramburu.

Real Sociedad’s starting XI: Remiro; Elustondo, Zubeldia, Caleta-Car, Sergio Gómez; Gorrotxategi, Marín, Goti; Barrenetxea, Guedes, and Oyarzabal.

With these adjustments, the Basque side will try to halt Real Madrid’s perfect run of three wins from three league games. The match also carries a sentimental note for Xabi Alonso, who returns to San Sebastián—the city where he grew up as a player—now as coach of Spain’s most decorated club.

The duel promises intensity, with both teams chasing points for different reasons but facing the same pressure to perform in a league season that is just beginning and already demanding high standards.