Football can be a cruel game. Honestly, if you just looked at the box score of the recent Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid clash at the Reale Arena, you’d think it was a standard Tuesday at the office for the reigning champions. A 2-1 win for Madrid. Kylian Mbappé on the scoresheet. Business as usual, right? Not even close.
This match was a fever dream. We saw a red card for a teenager, a legendary manager returning to his old stomping grounds only to get sacked months later, and a Basque side that basically forgot how to finish despite having a man advantage for nearly an hour.
It was chaotic. It was loud. And for La Real fans, it was genuinely heartbreaking.
The Xabi Alonso Narrative and the Huijsen Chaos
September 13, 2025, was supposed to be a homecoming. Xabi Alonso, the man who made Real Sociedad's midfield look like art before doing the same at Madrid, was back in San Sebastián as the Madrid boss. The atmosphere was electric. You could feel the tension in the air.
Madrid started like a house on fire. Kylian Mbappé, who seems to treat La Liga like his personal playground these days, netted the opener in the 11th minute. It was a clinical strike that silenced the crowd. But then, the script flipped.
Dean Huijsen, the young defender Madrid has been banking on, had a nightmare.
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In the 32nd minute, he saw red. Straight off. Suddenly, the biggest club in the world was playing with ten men in one of the most hostile stadiums in Spain. Most teams would crumble. Most managers would park the bus. But this is Madrid.
Arda Güler: The Difference Maker
Before Real Sociedad could even process their numerical advantage, Arda Güler happened. Just before the halftime whistle, the Turkish prodigy doubled the lead. It was a gut punch. You’ve got a man advantage, you're at home, and you're down 2-0.
Sociedad came out swinging in the second half, though. Mikel Oyarzabal, the heart and soul of that team, converted a penalty in the 55th minute after Dani Carvajal was pinged for a handball. The Reale Arena exploded. 2-1. Game on.
Why Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Matches Are Never Simple
If you’ve followed this rivalry for a while, you know the stats don't tell the whole story. Madrid has won 24 of their last meetings compared to Sociedad’s 5, but every game feels like a scrap.
Actually, let's talk about the missed opportunities.
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Real Sociedad finished that game with more possession and more shots, but they lacked that "killer" instinct. It’s been the story of their 2025-2026 season so far. They sit 11th in the table because they can't seem to turn dominance into points.
- Madrid’s Resilience: Even with ten men, their defensive structure under pressure was elite.
- Tactical Flexibility: Alonso (before his shock departure in early 2026) showed he could adapt when his back was against the wall.
- The Goalkeeping Factor: Thibaut Courtois made three massive saves in the final ten minutes. Without him, it’s a 2-2 draw or worse.
The Fallout: A Tale of Two Managers
Fast forward to where we are now in January 2026. Looking back at that Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid game, it feels like a turning point for both clubs.
For Real Madrid, it was a gritty win that kept them on Barcelona’s heels. But ironically, the man who orchestrated that win, Xabi Alonso, is no longer there. In one of the most shocking moves in recent Spanish football history, Alonso left by mutual consent just a few days ago, replaced by Álvaro Arbeloa.
Think about that. One day you're winning at the Reale Arena with ten men, the next you're out of a job because the pressure at the Bernabéu is just that suffocating.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, has been trying to find their identity under Pellegrino Matarazzo. They’ve been decent lately—unbeaten in their last three—but that September loss still stings. It’s the difference between fighting for a Champions League spot and being stuck in the middle of the pack.
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Key Stats From the Last Encounter
| Category | Real Sociedad | Real Madrid |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 1 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 1 (Huijsen) |
| Possession | 58% | 42% |
| Top Rated Player | Oyarzabal | Mbappé |
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
People think Real Madrid just "bullies" the smaller teams. That’s a lazy take.
In the 2025-2026 season, the gap between the top and the middle has shrunk. Sociedad’s ability to create chances through through-balls is among the best in the league. Their weakness? Defending counter-attacks. And when you have Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior lurking, that’s a recipe for disaster.
Madrid doesn't win these games because they are "lucky." They win because they have players who can produce a moment of magic when the system breaks down. Arda Güler’s goal was exactly that. A moment of individual brilliance that defied the tactical situation.
Looking Ahead: The February Rematch
We don't have to wait long for the return fixture. On February 15, 2026, Real Sociedad travels to the Bernabéu.
The stakes are even higher now. Madrid is trying to close a four-point gap with Barcelona, and Sociedad is desperately trying to climb back into the European spots. Plus, we get to see Arbeloa’s first major test against a top-tier Basque side.
If you’re planning to watch or bet on the next match, keep these actionable insights in mind:
- Monitor the "New Manager Bounce": Arbeloa is a Madrid legend, but he’s unproven at this level. Watch how the dressing room reacts in the first 20 minutes.
- Focus on the Wings: Both teams play wide. If Sociedad can't stop the Vinícius-Mbappé overlap, it’s going to be a long night for their fullbacks.
- Check the Injury List: Madrid has been rotating heavily due to Champions League commitments. A "B-team" Madrid is still dangerous, but far more vulnerable to Sociedad's high press.
- The Oyarzabal Factor: He is the only player who consistently scares the Madrid backline. If he's isolated, Sociedad's attack dies.
The Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid rivalry isn't just about three points. It’s about the clash of cultures—the gritty, proud Basque spirit against the glitz and "win-at-all-costs" mentality of the capital. Whether it’s a red card in the 30th minute or a last-second winner, these two never fail to deliver something we'll be talking about for weeks.