Real Madrid CF vs Real Sociedad

This rearranged Liga clash matters as Jose Mourinho's first home league game back at the Bernabeu, delayed from its original August 15 slot due to Real Madrid players away at World Cup semifinals. Madrid want a strong start after finishing eight points behind Barcelona last season, while Real Sociedad arrive fresh off a Copa del Rey triumph despite a 10th-place league finish. Under Mourinho, Madrid lean on Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, bolstered by summer arrivals Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella and Denzel Dumfries. Real Sociedad, now led by Pellegrino Matarazzo, have adopted a more direct, high-pressing style, with captain Mikel Oyarzabal returning sharp after a strong World Cup. Real Madrid have dominated this fixture historically, winning 25 meetings to Real Sociedad's five, including a 4-1 rout at the Bernabeu last term. It's too early for lineup speculation, but both sides look set for an open, entertaining game at the Bernabeu. Our prediction: 3-1