Real Madrid secured a 2‑1 win over Espanyol and now aim for back‑to‑back victories against Sociedad. Mourinho’s first home game, star power from Mbappé and Bellingham, and new focus on protecting Vinícius are the key storylines.

  • Real Madrid beat Espanyol 2‑1 with a late Carlos Espi goal
  • Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé headline the lineup
  • Jose Mourinho’s first home match comes against Sociedad

On Wednesday, 26 August, at 9 pm GMT, Real Madrid will host Real Sociedad at the Bernabeu in the opening weeks of La Liga. Both clubs are desperate to shed last season’s disappointment and chase silverware.

Team News and Starting XI

Mourinho has placed Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham in his starting eleven. Debuts go to Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries and Ibrahima Konaté. New signings Yan Diomande and Marc Cucurella sit on the bench, ready to make an impact.

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Recent Form and Current Momentum

Real’s recent 2‑1 win over Espanyol came thanks to a 90th‑minute strike from substitute Carlos Espi after Bellingham opened the scoring. The goal was a header from Arda Güler’s dangerous free‑kick. Mbappé’s early chances were limited, but he remains the league’s top scorer for the club over two seasons.

Historical Background

Last season, Sociedad lifted the Copa del Rey by beating Atlético Madrid, while Real Madrid failed to win a trophy for the first time since 2006, ending a 20‑year streak of silverware. This clash represents a chance for both sides to rewrite their narratives.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that a victory for Real Madrid could restore confidence in Mourinho’s second spell and halt Barcelona’s push for a La Liga three‑peat, while a win for Sociedad would cement their rise as a serious cup‑winning contender.

"Mourinho’s tactical flexibility will be tested against Sociedad’s disciplined press," says former La Liga analyst Carlos Ruiz.
Did You Know?: Real Sociedad secured their first Copa del Rey title in the 2025‑26 season, marking the club’s fifth major trophy.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Will Mourinho’s first home game deliver a win for Real? Experts believe the boosted morale and star‑studded lineup give them a strong edge.
  • What challenges does Vinícius Júnior face? He must navigate Sociedad’s high‑press and avoid personal provocations that have plagued him previously.