Real Madrid have responded well to the setbacks in La Liga against Barcelona and Sevilla by seeing off Rayo Vallecano 5-0 and taking a huge step towards the semi-final of the Champions League by defeating Borussia Dortmund 3-0.
Tonight they face their toughest test in their remaining league fixtures – a visit to Real Sociedad. It is a must win game for Carlo Ancelotti and his players to keep their title hopes alive. Anything else would probably leave them too much to do with just six matches remaining after this.
La Real will not be an easy win either despite the reverse fixture in October ended 5-1 to Los Blancos. The San Sebastian outfit defeated Barcelona at home, and in Carlos Vela and Antoine Griezmann, have a potent attacking force.
Real Madrid travel to the Basque country with some injury concerns to deal with. Cristiano Ronaldo will be rested to help his recover from the tendinits in his knee. With Jese Rodriguez also out injured, Alvaro Morata will get a start up front alongside Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
Angel di Maria missed the midweek Champions League game through illness, but should be available again to be on the bench. In-form Isco will likely start in his place, although Asier Illarramendi is also an option and could start against his old club.
Probable lineups: Real Sociedad:Bravo; Martinez, Gonzalez, Inigo Martinez, Bella; Bergara, Elustondo; Vela, Canales, Griezmann; Agirretxe
Real Madrid: Diego López; Nacho, Varane, Ramos, Coentrão; Illarramendi, Modric, Isco; Morata, Benzema, Bale.
