Real Madrid will seek to ascend to the pinnacle of La Liga when they welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabéu this Saturday. The match, set to kick off at 21:00 local time (20:00 GMT), could mark a pivotal moment in the league title race, with Barcelona closely trailing behind.
Match Details:
- **Teams:** Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad
- **Location:** Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid, Spain
- **Date and Time:** Saturday, February 14, 21:00 CET (20:00 GMT)
- **Coverage:** Pre-match buildup on Al Jazeera Sport from 17:00 GMT, followed by live text commentary
**Real Madrid's Pursuit of Top Spot**
Under the guidance of manager Álvaro Arbeloa, who took the reins in January, Real Madrid is eager to overtake Barcelona and take the lead in La Liga. The Catalans will face Girona on Monday, providing Madrid with an opportunity to create some breathing room at the top of the table.
**Trent Alexander-Arnold's Potential Impact**
English right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has yet to fully establish himself at the Bernabéu since his January arrival, could play a crucial role for Madrid in the second half of the season. Recovering from injury, Alexander-Arnold might feature against Sociedad, with Arbeloa looking to integrate him into the team's title charge.
**Real Sociedad's Form**
Real Sociedad, managed by Pellegrino Matarazzo, enters the match on an unbeaten streak of nine games. However, they currently sit eighth in the league table, 14 points adrift of the Champions League qualification spots. Despite their mid-table position, Sociedad has shown glimpses of their potential, having defeated Barcelona last month and securing a Copa del Rey semifinal first-leg victory against Athletic Bilbao.
**Team Bonding and Madrid's Struggles**
Real Madrid has faced internal turmoil and inconsistent form this season. However, a recent team-bonding dinner, reportedly paid for by stars Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé, has sparked optimism among the players. The squad is determined to mount a late-season challenge for both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy.
**La Liga Title Race**
With seven consecutive victories, Real Madrid is just one point behind league leaders Barcelona. The Catalans, however, will face a challenging task when they take on Girona, who are currently 12th in the table. Meanwhile, third-placed Atlético Madrid will tackle Rayo Vallecano, and fourth-placed Villarreal will visit Getafe.
**Previous Encounter**
In the previous meeting between the two sides, Real Madrid secured a narrow 2-1 victory. As they prepare to face off once again, both teams will be eager to claim the three points and make a significant statement in the La Liga title race.
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