Introduction: A Historic Encounter in La Liga’s Final Chapter
On May 24, 2025, the iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium played host to a highly anticipated La Liga showdown between Real Madrid – Real Sociedad. This match, marking the 38th and final round of the 2024-25 La Liga season, carried immense emotional weight. Not only was it a clash between two Spanish football giants, but it also served as the farewell stage for legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti and club icon Luka Modrić. With Real Madrid coming off a season of highs and lows, and Real Sociedad aiming to end their campaign on a high note, the stage was set for an unforgettable encounter. This blog post delves into the match’s key moments, tactical battles, player performances, and the broader significance of this storied rivalry.
The Build-Up: Context and Stakes
Real Madrid’s Season of Transition
The 2024-25 season has been a rollercoaster for Real Madrid. Despite clinching the 2023-24 UEFA Champions League title and finishing second in La Liga, the club faced challenges with injuries and inconsistent form. The arrival of Kylian Mbappé from Paris Saint-Germain was a marquee signing, but integrating him into an already star-studded squad proved complex. Moreover, the departure of Toni Kroos left a void in midfield, placing additional pressure on veterans like Luka Modrić and new talents like Jude Bellingham.
The Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad match was particularly poignant as it marked Carlo Ancelotti’s final game as Real Madrid’s manager before he takes the helm of the Brazilian national team. Ancelotti, who led Los Blancos to five Champions League titles and two La Liga crowns across his two stints, was determined to leave on a high. Additionally, Luka Modrić, the 39-year-old Croatian maestro, announced his departure from the club, making this game his last at the Bernabéu. Fans were eager to see how Real Madrid would honor these legends in their final home game of the season.
Real Sociedad’s Resilient Campaign
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, entered the match in 11th place in La Liga with 46 points, a disappointing position given their strong performances in previous seasons. Despite their mid-table standing, the Basque side showed flashes of brilliance, particularly in their attacking play led by Mikel Oyarzabal and Takefusa Kubo. Their recent 3-2 victory over Girona FC demonstrated their ability to compete against top teams. For Real Sociedad, the Real Madrid – Real Sociedad clash was an opportunity to upset the giants at the Bernabéu and end the season with a statement.
Historical Context: A Fierce Rivalry
The rivalry between Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad is steeped in history. Since their first competitive meeting in 1929, the two clubs have faced off 49 times in La Liga, with Real Madrid holding a dominant record of 30 wins to Real Sociedad’s 9, with 10 draws. On average, their matches produce 3.41 goals, a testament to the attacking flair both teams bring to the pitch. Notably, their recent encounters have been closely contested, with Real Sociedad securing draws in their last two meetings before this game. This historical competitiveness added intrigue to the May 24 showdown.
The Match: A Tale of Emotion and Excellence
First Half: Real Madrid’s Early Dominance
The match kicked off at 2:15 PM UTC at the Santiago Bernabéu, with an electric atmosphere as fans paid tribute to Ancelotti and Modrić. Real Madrid, fielding a strong lineup featuring Thibaut Courtois, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Kylian Mbappé, started brightly. Ancelotti opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Modrić anchoring the midfield alongside Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni.
In the 12th minute, Real Madrid struck first. A swift counter-attack saw Vinícius Júnior break down the left flank, delivering a pinpoint cross to Mbappé, who calmly slotted the ball past Álex Remiro. The Bernabéu erupted as Mbappé celebrated his 33rd goal of the season, further cementing his status as a key figure in Real Madrid’s attack. The early goal set the tone for a dominant first half, with Real Madrid controlling 62% of possession and creating several scoring opportunities.
Real Sociedad, however, showed resilience. Their 4-2-3-1 setup, with Martín Zubimendi and Luka Sucic in midfield, allowed them to absorb pressure and counter through Kubo and Oyarzabal. In the 28th minute, Oyarzabal nearly equalized, but his curling shot was tipped over by Courtois. The first half ended with Real Madrid leading 1-0, but Real Sociedad’s threat on the break kept the game finely balanced.
Second Half: Drama and Determination
The second half saw Real Sociedad emerge with renewed vigor. Manager Imanol Alguacil made tactical adjustments, pushing Kubo higher to exploit gaps in Real Madrid’s defense. In the 55th minute, their persistence paid off. A well-worked move saw Ander Barrenetxea find space on the right, delivering a low cross that Oyarzabal converted to level the score at 1-1. The goal silenced the Bernabéu and highlighted Real Sociedad’s ability to challenge even the most formidable opponents.
Real Madrid responded swiftly. In the 63rd minute, Luka Modrić, in his final act at the Bernabéu, produced a moment of magic. Receiving the ball just outside the box, he curled a stunning shot into the top corner, restoring Real Madrid’s lead at 2-1. The crowd rose to its feet, chanting Modrić’s name in a heartfelt tribute to the midfielder who had defined an era. Modrić’s goal was his third of the season, a fitting farewell to a player who epitomized class and creativity.
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As the game progressed, Real Madrid pushed for a third goal to secure the win. In the 78th minute, Bellingham’s long-range effort forced a brilliant save from Remiro, who was in inspired form. Real Sociedad, however, remained dangerous on the counter. In the 85th minute, Kubo’s mazy run led to a shot that narrowly missed the target, reminding Real Madrid of their opponent’s threat.
The final moments were tense, with Real Sociedad throwing men forward in search of an equalizer. However, Real Madrid’s defense, led by Antonio Rüdiger and David Alaba, held firm. In stoppage time, Mbappé sealed the victory with a clinical finish after a through ball from Valverde, making the final score 3-1. The Bernabéu erupted once more, celebrating not only the win but also the legacies of Ancelotti and Modrić.
Key Performances and Tactical Insights
Real Madrid’s Standouts
- Kylian Mbappé: The French superstar was the difference-maker, scoring twice and showcasing his lethal finishing. His 33 goals in the 2024-25 season underline his importance to Real Madrid’s attack.
- Luka Modrić: In his final game, Modrić delivered a masterclass, scoring a sublime goal and controlling the midfield with his trademark composure. His departure marks the end of an era for Los Blancos.
- Vinícius Júnior: The Brazilian winger was a constant threat, assisting Mbappé’s first goal and creating numerous chances. His defensive work rate also stood out, a testament to his growth under Ancelotti.
Real Sociedad’s Key Contributors
- Mikel Oyarzabal: The captain led by example, scoring the equalizer and posing a constant threat. His work rate and leadership were crucial for Real Sociedad’s competitiveness.
- Álex Remiro: Despite conceding three goals, Remiro made several outstanding saves, keeping his team in the game. His performance was a highlight for the visitors.
- Takefusa Kubo: The Japanese winger troubled Real Madrid’s defense with his dribbling and pace, though he lacked the final product to change the game’s outcome.
Tactical Analysis
Real Madrid’s 4-3-3 formation allowed them to dominate possession and exploit the wings through Vinícius and Rodrygo. Ancelotti’s decision to start Modrić in a deeper role paid dividends, as the veteran’s vision and passing unlocked Real Sociedad’s compact defense. However, Real Madrid’s high defensive line was occasionally exposed, particularly by Kubo’s runs.
Real Sociedad’s 4-2-3-1 setup was designed to absorb pressure and counter quickly. While effective in spells, their inability to convert chances in the final third proved costly. Imanol’s substitutions, including Beñat Turrientes and Orri Óskarsson, added energy but failed to shift the momentum decisively.
The Emotional Farewell: Ancelotti and Modrić
The Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad match was as much about farewells as it was about football. Carlo Ancelotti, who transformed Real Madrid into a global powerhouse, received a standing ovation as he addressed the crowd post-match. “The only way to say goodbye was with the affection I have for this club, and the affection they have for me,” Ancelotti said, reflecting on his tenure. His successor, Xabi Alonso, will now face the daunting task of filling his shoes.
Luka Modrić’s departure was equally emotional. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, who joined Real Madrid in 2012, leaves as one of the club’s greatest-ever players. His 534 appearances, 39 goals, and 22 trophies, including six Champions League titles, cement his legacy. Fans chanted “Luka, Luka” as he took a lap of honor, visibly moved by the outpouring of love.
The Bigger Picture: Real Madrid’s Future and Real Sociedad’s Resilience
Real Madrid’s Transition Under Xabi Alonso
With Ancelotti’s departure, Real Madrid enters a new era under Xabi Alonso, who has impressed as Bayer Leverkusen’s manager. The club has already secured the signing of Dean Huijsen, a promising center-back, and is reportedly close to landing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing defensive injuries and integrating young talents like Endrick and Arda Güler. The Real Madrid – Real Sociedad match highlighted the squad’s potential but also underscored areas for improvement, particularly in defensive solidity.
Real Sociedad’s Bright Future
Despite their mid-table finish, Real Sociedad’s performance against Real Madrid showcased their potential. The club’s youth academy continues to produce talents like Pablo Marín and Jon Martín, while players like Zubimendi attract interest from top European clubs. Imanol Alguacil’s tactical nous and commitment to attacking football suggest that Real Sociedad will remain a force in La Liga.
The Rivalry’s Cultural Significance
The Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad rivalry extends beyond the pitch. Real Madrid, with its global fanbase of over 350 million, represents Spanish football’s commercial and cultural pinnacle. Real Sociedad, rooted in Basque identity, embodies regional pride and resilience. Matches between these two clubs are not just sporting contests but also cultural events, reflecting Spain’s diverse footballing landscape.
Real Madrid’s public relations strategy, as outlined in a 2024 study, emphasizes universal values like excellence and ambition, allowing the club to transcend its Spanish identity and connect with international fans. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, maintains a strong local identity, with initiatives like the Real Sociedad Foundation fostering community engagement and youth development.
Conclusion: A Memorable Finale
The Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad match on May 24, 2025, was a fitting end to an eventful La Liga season. Real Madrid’s 3-1 victory, driven by Mbappé’s brilliance and Modrić’s magic, honored the legacies of Ancelotti and Modrić while showcasing the club’s enduring quality. Real Sociedad, despite the loss, demonstrated their competitiveness and potential for future success.
As Real Madrid looks ahead to the Club World Cup under Xabi Alonso, and Real Sociedad aims to climb the La Liga table next season, this match will be remembered as a celebration of football, passion, and legacy. The Santiago Bernabéu, with its retractable roof and rich history, remains the epicenter of such moments, where dreams are made and legends are born.
FAQs
Q: What was the final score of the Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad match on May 24, 2025?
A: Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Q: Who scored the goals for Real Madrid in the match?
A: Kylian Mbappé scored two goals, and Luka Modrić scored one.
Q: Why was this match significant for Carlo Ancelotti and Luka Modrić?
A: It was Carlo Ancelotti’s final match as Real Madrid’s manager before joining the Brazilian national team, and Luka Modrić’s last game for the club before his departure.
Q: How did Real Sociedad perform despite the loss?
A: Real Sociedad showed resilience, equalizing in the second half through Mikel Oyarzabal and creating several chances, though they couldn’t convert in the final third.
Q: What is the historical record between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in La Liga?
A: In 49 La Liga matches, Real Madrid has 30 wins, Real Sociedad has 9 wins, and there have been 10 draws.
Reference:
- Real Madrid Official Website – Official updates and news about Real Madrid’s matches and players.
- ESPN Football – Detailed match analysis and player ratings for Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad.
- The Guardian Football – Comprehensive coverage of La Liga and Real Madrid’s season.
- Sofascore – Live scores, player stats, and match highlights for Real Sociedad.
- Managing Madrid – Fan-driven insights and analysis on Real Madrid’s performance.
