Real Madrid will be hoping their goalless midweek encounter with Manchester City hasn't disrupted their winning momentum. It ended a run of five straight victories in all competitions, with Zinedine Zidane's side having closed to within a point of league leaders Barcelona and second-placed Atlético Madrid. The Merengues are certainly finishing with a flourish after the disappointment that was Rafael Benítez's tenure, and they'll look to go top with a win over Real Sociedad on Saturday.
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
Real Madrid will look to keep themselves in the La Liga title race with a win away at Real Sociedad on Saturday.
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La Real's season has rather mirrored that of Madrid's: a disappointing start, a managerial change and a subsequent improvement. They're tucked comfortably up in mid-table, 10 points clear of the drop zone and only a couple adrift of eighth-placed Valencia. The Basque outfit can look confidently up the table rather than nervously down it, though admittedly it's hard to see them managing to pick up any points at home to a Madrid team on such a roll.
Key player: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid)
Real Madrid head into this game without two of their regular attacking trio: Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are both sidelined with injuries. That means they'll be relying on an excellent performance from Gareth Bale out on the right, against a La Real side that can prove a little difficult to break down.
Recent history
Real Madrid have won their last two meetings against La Real, but were beaten 4-2 on their last encounter in the Basque Country. Indeed, Madrid have only won away at the Anoeta once since 2011 -- a run their opponents will doubtless be eager to extend on Saturday.
Real Sociedad injuries and suspensions
Out: Imanol Agirretxe, Carlos Martinez (ankle); Sergio Canales (knee); Raúl Navas (pubis); Carlos Vela (suspended). In doubt: Mikel Oyarzabal (muscle fatigue).
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo (hamstring). In doubt: None.
La Real still have a painfully long list of absentees, containing a handful of important first-teamers. The most recent addition is striker Vela, who is suspended due to his yellow card accumulation. Madrid only have two absentees, though given that they’re Benzema and Ronaldo, their absences will certainly be felt.
Match date/time: Sat., April 30, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Municipal de Anoeta, Donostia / San Sebastián, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US and Canada - English); beIN SPORTS en Español (US and Canada - Spanish)
Online: beIN Sports Connect (US and Canada); fuboTV (US)
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