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Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Odds & Prediction – La Liga Round 16

Josh Ricker

by Josh Ricker in Soccer News

Updated Dec 4, 2021 · 6:25 AM PST

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior celebrates after scoring
Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, center, celebrates after scoring the equalizer during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Alfredo di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
  • Real Sociedad host Real Madrid in La Liga’s Matchday 16 on Saturday, December 4th, at 3pm ET
  • Real Madrid took to extend their seven point lead atop La Liga while Real Sociedad are trying to overtake Atletico Madrid for second place
  • Get the odds, our analysis, and betting prediction below

This weekend, Real Sociedad take on Real Madrid at the Anoeta Stadium in a massive, La Liga heavyweight contest. So far, this season seems as though it is going to be one of those years where Real Madrid run away with the title quick and early.

Los Blancos already have a seven-point advantage on their competition and a win against Real Sociedad could extend their lead up to 10 points with an Atleti loss.

Since a three-game stretch where they drew with Villarreall and lost to Sheriff Tiraspol and Espanyol, Real Madrid have been fantastic. In fact, they are undefeated in 10 matches, trying to build on seven consecutive victories.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Odds

Matchup Spread Moneyline Total
Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid RSD +0.5 (-140) | RMA -0.5 (+120) RSD +230 | RMA +125 | DRAW +245 Ov 2.5 (-120) | Un 2.5 (-105)

Odds as of Dec 3rd at DraftKings

However, Saturday’s match against Real Sociedad will be no easy task. Despite losing two out of their last three games, Sociedad have been in a different class this season. Do not forget, their streak of 17 games in a row unbeaten was just broken a week ago against Monaco in the Europa League.

Real Sociedad Have the Best Defense in La Liga

What makes this match all the more intriguing is it pits La Liga’s best offense against the best defense. Real Sociedad’s defense has been impenetrable this season, only conceding 11 times in 15 matches.

 

Additionally, the fact that Real Sociedad’s defense has conceded over 0.3 goals per game less than they were expected to tells the story. Expect goalkeeper Alex Remiro to start between the sticks for Real Sociedad, per usual.

Elsewhere, Imanol Alguacil likes to rely on Robin Le Normand as the real anchor of his defense. Actually, Le Normand will be one of the most important players in this match.

He will most likely be tasked with dueling against fellow Frenchman Karim Benzema in the middle. But, Le Normand wins an astounding 4.34 aerial duels per match, putting him in the 97th percentile of center halves in Europe’s top five leagues.

Unfortunately, his usual partner, Artiz Elustondo will be out due to suspension. David Silva and Mikel Merino will also miss the match due to injury, so Real Sociedad have a couple of major holes to fill in their starting 11.

Real Madrid’s Consistency and Depth is on Another Level

Do not get it twisted, Real Sociedad are a very, very good side. However, they have hit some rocky form, which makes you question their chances both in La Liga and in this match on Saturday. Conversely, Real Madrid have been absolutely nothing but rock solid as of late.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Statistics

Real Sociedad
VS
Real Madrid
1.27 Goals per game 2.33
1.35 Expected goals per game 2.17
0.73 Goals allowed per game 1.00
1.09 Expected goals allowed per game 1.34
55.4% Possession % 58.7%
82.5% Passing Accuracy % 88.8%
11.4 Shots per game 16.5

In truth, it feels like Real Madrid are peaking and they are doing so at the perfect time. Around the holidays, matches come fast and frequent, which starts to favor the teams with more depth at their disposal.

For example, in the last match Ancelloti put out a midfield of Toni Kroos, Casemiro and Luca Modric. He could rest two out of those three players and bring on Federico Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga and Real Madrid would not miss a beat. This goes without saying they still have options like Rodrygo, Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic on the bench.

Finally, Real Madrid’s offense has been one of the best in Europe so far this season. Benzema is on fire and Vinicius Jr. looks like he is finally suited up to be a Real Madrid player. While Real Sociedad have the best defense in La Liga, Madrid have been expected to score 2.26 goals in away matches this season.

The H2H Results are Even

The head-to-head results in this matchup are actually fairly even. In their last eight matches between each other, they are dead even, finishing 3-3-2 against one another.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Best Bet

Overall, the best bet in this match is the Real Madrid moneyline with odds of +120. Any time you can get plus odds on this pick, it is a no brainer. With the form Real Madrid are on, frankly I do not see anyone in La Liga taking them down, let alone Real Sociedad.

Pick: Real Madrid moneyline (+120)

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