Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad to conclude their uninspiring La Liga campaign on a day of farewells at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s successful second spell at the helm will come to an end on Saturday before he departs for the Brazilian national team. Madrid is expected to swiftly appoint former midfielder Xabi Alonso as the Italian’s replacement.
Much was expected of Los Blancos this season after they lifted both major trophies last term. Despite the significant summer signing of Kylian Mbappé, who scored numerous goals in his debut season in Spain, Madrid struggled to maintain team cohesion. As a result, they were ultimately outmaneuvered by an impressive Barcelona side in La Liga.
Similarly, Madrid will be looking to conclude Ancelotti’s era with a victory against a Real Sociedad team that has also experienced a disappointing season. The visiting side is also parting ways with their coach this week, as Imanol Alguacil announced last month that he would step down at the end of the season after six and a half years in charge.
They enter the final day in 11th place in the standings, while second-placed Madrid are four points behind the champions.
Not only will Ancelotti be departing, but midfield maestro Luka Modrić has also confirmed that Saturday’s match will be his last in La Liga after 13 years in the Spanish capital. The 39-year-old is expected to start his final home game, as is veteran right-back Lucas Vázquez.
The home side faces numerous injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s match, particularly in defense. Antonio Rüdiger, David Alaba, and Éder Militão are all absent, and there are doubts surrounding the fitness of Raúl Asencio. Should Asencio be unavailable, young talent Jacobo Ramon might partner Jesús Vallejo in central defense.
Jude Bellingham is suspended, opening the door for Brahim Díaz to start, while Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo may also be absent due to ankle and thigh problems, respectively.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Real Sociedad:
Real Madrid (4-4-2): Courtois; Vázquez, Tchouaméni, Asencio, F. García; Valverde, Ceballos, Modrić, Güler; Brahim, Mbappé.
Prediction: Real Madrid 3–1 Real Sociedad