Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid prediction: SPAIN: LaLiga betting tips on match 2023-05-01 20:00.
After beating local rivals Osasuna 2-0 on Friday, Real Sociedad feel they are closing in on finishing in the La Liga (LL) top four for the first time since 2012/13, with forward Takefusa Kubo declaring they “have the right to dream. We are going for the Champions League.” It won’t be an easy run home in May, which will see them take on each of the three sides above them, starting here with Real Madrid.
Having recently conquered one of this season’s Copa del Rey (CDR) finalists, a collection of three straight home LL wins after scoring exactly two goals should have them approaching this high-stakes affair with plenty of confidence. On the flipside, Sociedad have not won a home H2H since May 2019 (D1, L2) whilst manager Imanol Alguacil has never shaken the hands of opposite number Carlo Ancelotti as the victor (D1, L2).
Karim Benzema’s hat-trick against AlmerĂa (W 4-2) made him LL’s fourth-highest all-time scorer, and anywhere near a repeat of that could see Alguacil’s side struggle again. The hosts will be hoping that Ancelotti rests the Frenchman with the upcoming CDR final and Champions League semi-final in mind. But with VinĂcius JĂşnior suspended after picking up his sixth yellow card of the season for dissent, Ancelotti’s options appear limited.
Having won just one of their last four league away fixtures (D1, L2), they also can’t afford to take their eye off the ball in a LL context as they bid to stay ahead of city rivals Atlético in the fight for second place behind champions-elect Barcelona. Los Blancos have averaged 1.4 goals per game across their last five LL road games (W2, D1, L2), so they should at least keep Sociedad’s defence busy regardless of the end result.
Players to watch: Once on Madrid’s books, Kubo has scored in seven LL games for Sociedad this term – all leading to victory – while Madrid have won their last seven games in which Rodrygo has scored, including against AlmerĂa last round.
Hot streak: Sociedad are unbeaten in home league games in which they scored first this term (W7, D2).