Vinicius, Rodrygo start in a 4-3-3 – How Real Madrid can line up against Real Sociedad | OneFootball

With the international break out of the way, Real Madrid are back in action in La Liga later today when they take on Real Sociedad away at the Reale Arena.

The Merengues are one of only two teams to have a 100% winning record after three games in the new season and are currently seated at the top of the La Liga table.

However, the trip to San Sebastian will be their biggest test of the season so far, despite La Real not enjoying the best start to the campaign.

Real Madrid go into the game with as many as five absentees as Jude Bellingham, Endrick, Eduardo Camavinga, and Ferland Mendy still remain unavailable while Antonio Rudiger suffered an injury earlier this week, ruling him out for nearly three months.

Given the fixture pile-up coming up, and factoring in the fatigue from the international assignments, Alonso is expected to make some changes to his team as he faces his boyhood club.

This is how Real Madrid could set up against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Matchday 4 of the 2025/26 La Liga.

Defence

Antonio Rudiger might have been in contention to start if not for his injury, which means that Dean Huijsen will be partnered with Eder Militao again at the heart of the Real Madrid defence later today.

As for the left-back slot, Alvaro Carreras has made it his own and should feature from the get-go, while Trent Alexander-Arnold should feature ahead of Dani Carvajal at right-back, considering that he is well-rested having not travelled during the international break.

As far as the goal is concerned, Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed starter for the Spanish capital giants.

Midfield

Set to captain the team. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

The midfield department is a little light at the moment for Real Madrid, considering Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga are unavailable and youngster Thiago Pitarch has not been called up.

While it might have been ideal for Federico Valverde to be given a breather, the Uruguayan international is likely to start and captain the team today against Real Sociedad.

Aurelien Tchouameni, who has been brilliant in the new season under Alonso, will occupy the pivot midfield position as usual.

Arda Guler will be the third midfielder, providing the creative outlet from the centre of the park. Dani Ceballos will get some minutes off the bench.

Attack

Kylian Mbappe, fresh after winning the Real Madrid Player of the Month award for August, will continue to spearhead the attack for Los Blancos against the Basque club.

Vinicius Jr., fresh and well-rested after not being involved with Brazil, will start on the left flank and look to return to his best form.

As for the right-wing position, Rodrygo, who was also left out of the Brazil squad, should get the nod ahead of Brahim Diaz and young Franco Mastantuono, who were both involved with Morocco and Argentina, respectively.

Rodrygo has been competing for the left-winger slot with Vinicius this season, but will welcome any chance that comes his way so as to stake claim for a bigger role.