Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Top Ten Matches of the Last Decade (2015–2025).
Few rivalries in Spanish football have produced the blend of drama, goals, and tactical intrigue quite like the clashes between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid in the last decade. Traditionally, Real Madrid have dominated the fixture, but the rise of Sociedad under Imanol Alguacil has transformed these meetings into genuine battles. Whether it’s shock wins at Anoeta or thrilling Bernabéu nights, this fixture has delivered some of La Liga’s most memorable encounters.
Here, we revisit the Top Ten Matches between Real Sociedad and Real Madrid from 2015 to 2025, breaking down the drama, the stars, and the lasting legacy of each game.
1. Real Sociedad 4–3 Real Madrid (La Liga, May 2024 – Anoeta)
The most thrilling clash of the decade. Real Sociedad, already secure in the top four, played with freedom and punished Madrid’s defensive lapses. Takefusa Kubo tormented his former club, while Barrenetxea and Oyarzabal combined to deliver a stunning upset.
For Madrid, Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo scored, but their efforts weren’t enough as Sociedad sealed a famous 4–3 victory. This loss dented Madrid’s title chase, effectively handing Barcelona breathing space. The atmosphere at Anoeta that night confirmed Sociedad’s rise as a powerhouse in Spanish football.
Tactical Note: Sociedad pressed high, refusing to sit back against Madrid. Their brave strategy paid off, exposing Madrid’s vulnerable fullbacks.
2. Real Madrid 5–2 Real Sociedad (La Liga, February 2023 – Bernabéu)
One of the last great attacking displays of the Karim Benzema era. Sociedad struck early, but Madrid’s response was ruthless. Benzema scored twice, with Luka Modrić orchestrating every attack. Vinícius and Valverde also got on the scoresheet.
For Sociedad, it was a lesson in how devastating Madrid could still be when their stars clicked. This was also one of the last games where Modrić and Kroos both started together in full flow, making it historically significant.
Legacy: Fans still recall it as a “farewell concert” for the Modrić-Benzema partnership.
3. Real Sociedad 3–1 Real Madrid (Copa del Rey Quarterfinal, February 2020 – Bernabéu)
Arguably the most iconic Sociedad win of the decade. At the Santiago Bernabéu, Sociedad shocked the world. Alexander Isak scored twice in a stunning attacking display, while Martin Ødegaard, then on loan from Madrid, scored against his parent club.
Despite a late Madrid surge, Sociedad triumphed 3–1, eliminating Zidane’s side. The victory sparked wild celebrations in San Sebastián and symbolized the dawn of their golden generation.
Turning Point: This match marked Ødegaard’s coming of age, though ironically, it led to tension with Madrid when he later returned.
4. Real Sociedad 0–2 Real Madrid (La Liga, September 2020 – Anoeta)
In the strange, fan-less pandemic season, Madrid secured an early statement win. Sergio Ramos scored from the spot, and Vinícius Jr. added the second.
While not the most thrilling clash, it carried weight—Madrid were under pressure to prove consistency after the league restart. The calm professionalism shown in this game helped build the foundation for their eventual title challenge.
5. Real Sociedad 4–2 Real Madrid (La Liga, May 2019 – Anoeta)
One of the most damaging defeats of Madrid’s post-Ronaldo crisis season. Sociedad dominated, with Mikel Oyarzabal and teenager Ander Barrenetxea inspiring a famous win.
Madrid’s defense looked disorganized, and this match highlighted their struggles under interim coach Santiago Solari. Sociedad’s young guns stole the spotlight, foreshadowing their long-term growth.
Fan Memory: Many Madrid fans saw this game as the “low point” that underlined how much they missed Cristiano Ronaldo.
6. Real Madrid 5–2 Real Sociedad (La Liga, February 2018 – Bernabéu)
A Cristiano Ronaldo masterclass. The Portuguese superstar scored a hat-trick, silencing critics who said he was past his prime. Madrid blitzed Sociedad with four goals in the first half.
Although Sociedad scored twice late, it was Ronaldo’s night—one of his last big La Liga performances before leaving for Juventus.
Stat Note: This was Ronaldo’s 33rd career hat-trick for Real Madrid.
7. Real Sociedad 0–3 Real Madrid (La Liga, August 2016 – Anoeta)
This opening-day clash is remembered as Marco Asensio’s breakout. On his league debut, he scored a breathtaking lob over the goalkeeper. Gareth Bale added a brace.
The victory set the tone for Madrid’s historic 2016/17 double-winning campaign, where they won La Liga and the Champions League.
8. Real Sociedad 4–2 Real Madrid (La Liga, May 2015 – Anoeta)
Real Madrid raced into a 2–0 lead through Ramos and Bale, but Sociedad produced an astonishing comeback. David Zurutuza scored twice, and Carlos Vela tormented Madrid’s defense.
It was a nightmare for Rafael Benítez and one of the most humiliating collapses of Madrid’s modern era. Sociedad fans still cherish this upset as proof that no lead is safe against them.
9. Real Madrid 3–1 Real Sociedad (La Liga, January 2017 – Bernabéu)
A steady yet crucial win in Madrid’s title-winning campaign. Goals from Kovačić, Ronaldo, and Morata sealed victory. Sociedad tried to fight back with Oyarzabal and Vela, but Madrid’s efficiency was too much.
Significance: This win kept Madrid ahead of Barcelona and Sevilla in the title race, proving their consistency.
10. Real Sociedad 2–4 Real Madrid (La Liga, December 2021 – Anoeta)
A memorable away win during Madrid’s resurgence under Carlo Ancelotti. Vinícius Jr. scored twice, while Luka Jović surprisingly delivered a goal and assist after coming off the bench.
Sociedad started well, but Vinícius’ electric pace tore them apart. Many Madridistas recall this game as the “arrival” of Vini as Madrid’s new talisman.
Key Themes Over the Decade
1. Sociedad’s Rise
From battling for mid-table to becoming a Champions League side, Sociedad have regularly troubled Madrid. Their youth development pipeline (Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea, Zubimendi) has been central.
2. Madrid’s Evolving Icons
- Cristiano Ronaldo’s dominance (2015–2018)
- Benzema’s golden years (2019–2023)
- Vinícius Jr. as the new leader (2021–2025)
Each era brought defining clashes with Sociedad.
3. Anoeta Factor
Anoeta has become one of the toughest grounds for Madrid. From 2015 to 2024, Sociedad won four times at home—proof of their growing stature.
4. Cup Drama
The 2020 Copa del Rey quarterfinal is arguably the single most important clash of the decade, remembered not just for the result but for its symbolism: Sociedad could outplay Madrid on the grandest stage.
Conclusion
In the last ten years, Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid has grown into one of La Liga’s most exciting fixtures. It is no longer a simple clash of giant vs underdog—it’s a genuine rivalry where Sociedad have repeatedly hurt Madrid.
From Ronaldo’s hat-tricks to Sociedad’s fearless youth, from Ødegaard’s poetic revenge to Vinícius’ explosion as a superstar, the matches tell the story of shifting eras in Spanish football.
Looking ahead, with Sociedad firmly established in Europe and Madrid transitioning into a new age under Vinícius and Bellingham, this rivalry promises many more classics in the years to come.