The anticipation surrounding Real Madrid’s clash with Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena (Anoeta) could hardly be higher. The match is not just another chapter in La Liga’s marathon season—it represents a historic homecoming for Xabi Alonso, who returns to the stadium where he began his professional journey, this time as Real Madrid’s head coach. The spotlight is brighter than ever, as Alonso not only carries the weight of Madridista expectations but also faces the emotional challenge of managing against a club and fanbase that hold a special place in his heart.
With Real Madrid sitting at the top of the La Liga table after three consecutive victories, the clash against Imanol Alguacil’s Real Sociedad promised intensity, tactical battles, and high emotions. Alonso’s lineup choices and tactical setup have become a talking point, particularly with his decision to start Brahim Díaz and Dani Ceballos alongside an attack led by Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé.
In this article, we break down the official lineup, analyze Alonso’s tactical vision, examine how new and returning players fit into the system, and look at what this match means for Madrid’s season moving forward.
The Emotional Return of Xabi Alonso to Anoeta
For Alonso, stepping back onto the Anoeta touchline is deeply personal. Born in Tolosa, just 20 kilometers from San Sebastián, Alonso’s footballing career began in the youth ranks of Real Sociedad (La Real). He later played three full seasons with the first team, developing into one of the most intelligent midfielders of his generation.
- 777 days have passed since Alonso last stood at Anoeta, when he managed Real Sociedad B (Sanse) in the Segunda División.
- His managerial journey has taken him from coaching youth sides in Madrid, to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, and now to one of the biggest jobs in football: Real Madrid manager.
This match, therefore, carries emotional weight not only for Alonso but also for the Real Sociedad fans who saw him grow from a promising midfielder into a global football icon. Yet, football sentiment often gives way to competitive fire, and Alonso arrived at Anoeta determined to maintain Madrid’s perfect start to the 2025 season.
Real Madrid’s Form Ahead of the Clash
Real Madrid entered the fixture in fine form, having beaten Osasuna, Real Oviedo, and Mallorca in their opening three La Liga games. The team looked revitalized under Alonso’s guidance, blending attacking flair with defensive resilience—two qualities Madrid sorely missed in recent seasons.
- Goals scored: 6
- Goals conceded: 1
- Total shots faced: Just 17 in three games, the best record since Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona in 2008.
Alonso has instilled not only discipline but also tactical clarity. Players are pressing with more cohesion, midfield rotations are sharper, and the attacking trio led by Vinícius and Mbappé has started to click.
The Official Real Madrid Lineup vs Real Sociedad
Here is the eleven that Xabi Alonso selected at Anoeta:
Goalkeeper: Thibaut Courtois
Defenders: Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Álvaro Carreras
Midfielders: Aurélien Tchouaméni, Dani Ceballos, Arda Güler
Forwards: Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, Brahim Díaz
Key Talking Points From the Lineup
- Brahim Díaz Returns to the XI
Brahim started on the right wing, pushing Rodrygo to the bench again. Despite Rodrygo’s versatility and proven record in big games, Alonso clearly trusts Brahim’s creativity and link-up ability in tighter spaces. - Ceballos Gets the Nod
Dani Ceballos was handed a rare start in midfield. Known for his technical vision and ability to control tempo, his inclusion indicates Alonso wanted more ball retention against Sociedad’s high press. - Mbappé & Vinícius Partnership
This was only the beginning of what Madridistas hope becomes an iconic duo. With Vinícius cutting in from the left and Mbappé operating both centrally and drifting wide, the pair offers devastating pace and unpredictability. - Youth in Defense
With Álvaro Carreras and Dean Huijsen starting, Alonso showed confidence in Madrid’s younger talents. Carreras offered energy and width from left-back, while Huijsen’s inclusion over Nacho suggested Alonso wants to fast-track younger defenders into his system.
Tactical Insights: How Alonso’s Madrid Lined Up
Alonso has always been a coach with a defined philosophy: control the midfield, press collectively, and transition quickly. At Anoeta, he deployed a 4-3-3 system with subtle variations depending on possession.
- Build-up Play: Tchouaméni often dropped between Militão and Huijsen to form a back three, allowing Carvajal and Carreras to push forward as wing-backs.
- Midfield Creativity: Ceballos and Güler provided fluidity in midfield, ensuring passing options between the lines to counter Sociedad’s compact structure.
- Attack: Vinícius stayed wide to stretch the pitch, Mbappé roamed centrally, and Brahim drifted inside, almost playing as a hybrid winger-playmaker.
This balance between width and central overloads is crucial in Alonso’s vision—one that mirrors elements of Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti but with his unique Basque pragmatism.
The Role of Rested Players
One of the under-discussed advantages for Real Madrid was how many of their stars were able to avoid international duty.
- Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Militão were not called up to Brazil’s squad.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold, another high-profile Madrid signing, was not selected by England coach Thomas Tuchel.
This gave Alonso extra training time with them at Valdebebas, while rivals were scattered across continents. The fresher legs could make a decisive difference in matches where intensity and stamina matter most.
Why This Match Was “Demanding”
Real Sociedad under Imanol Alguacil are no pushovers. The Basque side has been one of La Liga’s most consistent performers in recent seasons, qualifying for Europe multiple times and building a reputation for fast, technical football. Playing at Anoeta is never easy:
- The stadium atmosphere is among the most hostile in Spain.
- Sociedad’s pressing game often unsettles even the most composed sides.
- They have a balanced squad featuring talents like Mikel Oyarzabal, Brais Méndez, and Takefusa Kubo.
Alonso was right in calling the fixture “demanding.” It’s exactly the type of test that reveals how far Madrid has progressed under his leadership.
Mbappé’s Influence and Konaté Rumors
One major subplot surrounding Madrid is Kylian Mbappé’s influence off the pitch. Reports suggest the French superstar has expressed his desire for Madrid to sign compatriot Ibrahima Konaté from Liverpool. Alonso’s tactical system emphasizes defensive stability, and adding Konaté could strengthen the backline, especially with Madrid navigating La Liga, the Champions League, and Copa del Rey.
If Konaté were to join, he would slot in alongside Militão or Huijsen, providing pace, physicality, and aerial dominance. For now, Alonso works with what he has, but the whispers of Mbappé’s power in transfer decisions are intriguing.
What This Match Means for Real Madrid’s Season
The clash against Sociedad was more than three points:
- Momentum – Madrid needed to continue their winning streak to cement their place at the top of the table.
- Squad Depth – Matches every three days are looming with the Champions League returning. Alonso must rotate smartly, and games like this help test his bench strength.
- Youth Development – Starting Huijsen, Güler, and Carreras signals Alonso’s trust in the new generation. Long-term, this approach could define Madrid’s dominance.
- Tactical Identity – Facing Sociedad’s structured pressing was a litmus test for Alonso’s tactical evolution. If Madrid could adapt and impose their rhythm, it would send a warning to Europe’s elite.
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid’s season is only beginning, but the signs under Xabi Alonso are overwhelmingly positive. The defensive structure is solid, the midfield balance is improving, and the attack looks ready to explode with Vinícius and Mbappé leading the line. The squad depth and tactical intelligence Alonso brings could mark the beginning of a new Madrid dynasty.
But challenges are plenty:
- The Champions League group stage begins soon, requiring peak focus.
- Barcelona and Atlético Madrid are also strengthening, eager to challenge Los Blancos.
- The fixture list will test Madrid’s ability to stay consistent over nine grueling months.
If Alonso’s Madrid emerges from September with their unbeaten run intact, the football world will no longer view this project as “new”—it will be considered the real deal.
Conclusion
The official lineup Xabi Alonso fielded against Real Sociedad at Anoeta was more than a tactical choice—it was a statement. By trusting youth, rotating key players, and embracing his philosophy of controlled yet explosive football, Alonso showed that Real Madrid are not only chasing victories but also building a long-term identity.
The emotional return to Anoeta added narrative weight, but Alonso’s focus remained firmly on Madrid’s goals: winning La Liga, conquering Europe, and shaping the club’s next golden era.
As the season progresses, the decisions Alonso makes—who starts, who rotates, how the system evolves—will define whether Real Madrid remains just another talented side or becomes the dominant force of European football once again.