Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: Start Time, Live Streaming, Preview and Schedule

Real Madrid has been on quite a roll as of late after a minor slump in the middle of September as they prepare to visit Real Sociedad on Saturday. Los Blancos took both league games from Txuri-urdin last season by a combined score of 6-2.

Where: Estadio Anoeta in Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain

When: Saturday, Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN Deportes and ESPN3

Real Sociedad's Injuries

Midfielder Illarramendi and striker Carlos Vela

Real Madrid's Injuries

Defenders Fabio Coentrao, Ricardo Carvalho, Raul Albiol and midfielders Nuri Sahin and Lassana Diarra

Biggest Storyline: Can Real Madrid overcome Barcelona in La Liga?

Levante currently sits atop the La Liga table, but as the season wears on, it's expected to develop into a two-horse race between Real Madrid and Barcelona once again. L'equip blaugrana won the race last season by four points and are the favorites to do so again.

Los Blancos have an early one-point edge, though, and have enough talent to stick with the defending champions stride for stride. If they can maintain their current form for the better part of the campaign, they could shock their bitter rivals.

Either way, the race will come down to the season's final weeks once again.

What They're Saying

Even though Sociedad midfielder Illarramendi is getting closer to a return, he is not going to rush back onto the pitch and risk further injury. Getting him back might help Txuri-urdin finally right the ship after a rough patch (via team website).

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Feel optimistic about his return to competition, but also cautious. "I have good feelings, but there is still tomorrow and I know I've been two weeks outside the group, decide on the coach." The Mutriku does not see any connection between his absence and the losing streak: "When you do not win it misses that do not play, but we've lost me on the field."

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Cristiano Ronaldo made it clear that winning the league title is the club's No. 1 goal this season, which says a lot considering the team's involvement in the Champions League (via ESPNsoccernet).

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"I want to win La Liga. I think this is the priority for the club,'' he said at the global premiere of Castrol EDGE programme 'Ronaldo Tested to the Limit'. ''Of course, if we win La Liga and we have the opportunity to win the Champions League, why not?

"Real Madrid have to think big because it is one of the best teams in the world. We're going to work hard this season and try to win that important competition."

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Player to Watch for Real Sociedad: F Imanol Agirretxe

Agirretxe is the only Sociedad player to net more than one goal this season with four. That represents more than half of all the Txuri-urdin tallies. If they have any hope of pulling off a shocking upset, he'll probably need to find the score sheet at least twice.

Player to Watch for Real Madrid: F Gonzalo Higuaín

Ronaldo receives all the attention from opposing defenses, which has allowed Higuaín to score nine goals in eight games. The 23-year-old Frenchman is quickly developing into an elite goal-scoring threat and could help push Los Blancos over the top in La Liga.

Prediction: Real Madrid 4, Real Sociedad 1