Real Madrid v Real Sociedad La Liga Free Bets & Match Preview

Real Madrid v Real Sociedad La Liga Free Bets & Match Preview

Date & Time: Saturday, 24 May 2025 – 3:15pm (UK)
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu

Farewell, Carlo: Real Madrid Look to End the Season on a High Against Unravelling Real Sociedad

The Curtain Falls on Carlo’s Second Act

Saturday afternoon in Madrid marks more than just the final day of the La Liga season – it also brings to a close Carlo Ancelotti’s second spell in charge of Real Madrid. After a career of eyebrow-raising excellence and trophy-laden triumphs, the Italian tactician will take his final bow at the Bernabéu as Los Blancos host Real Sociedad. It’s the end of an era, and it promises to be one tinged with emotion, squad rotation, and – if we’re honest – a few injury headaches.

While Madrid may not be lifting the league title this time, they’ll still finish as runners-up. Not quite the disaster some headlines suggest, but still short of the lofty standards set during last season’s La Liga and Champions League double.

With the UEFA Super Cup the only bit of silverware added to the cabinet in 2024–25, there’s little doubt that Real’s campaign has underwhelmed, despite Barcelona’s own inconsistencies keeping the race closer than many expected.

Xabi Awaits as Ancelotti Bows Out

All signs point to former midfield general Xabi Alonso stepping in as Ancelotti’s successor, ready to take charge for the upcoming Club World Cup in June. But before all that can begin, there’s still one last league match to play – and a few goodbyes to be said.

In what promises to be an emotionally charged afternoon, veteran figures Luka Modric and Lucas Vázquez are set to make their final La Liga appearances for the club, both expected to depart following this summer’s tournament duties. Free transfers rarely feel this poignant.

And while this weekend is all about looking forward and fondly back, there’s still business to be handled. Expect Kylian Mbappé – now up to a mouth-watering 41 goals in his debut season – to lead the charge. With Endrick likely lining up alongside him and Arda Güler, Fede Valverde, Modric, and Dani Ceballos marshalling the middle of the park, there should be no shortage of attacking flair, even in a game with limited stakes.

In defence, the absentees list reads like a mini first-team squad: Antonio Rüdiger, Ferland Mendy, David Alaba, Eduardo Camavinga, and Dani Carvajal all remain sidelined. Jude Bellingham, currently suspended following his booking in the win over Sevilla (pending appeal), is also unavailable for what would’ve been his first Bernabéu finale.

At the back, expect Thibaut Courtois to hold the fort, with Fran García possibly flanking the ever-versatile Lucas Vázquez, while Aurélien Tchouaméni may find himself tucked into a central role alongside Marco Asensio, with Raúl Asencio likely fit to feature after a brief muscular niggle.

Real Sociedad’s Season of Missed Steps

On the opposite touchline, Imanol Alguacil will also be bidding farewell. The Real Sociedad boss departs after a campaign that can only be described as deeply underwhelming for the Basque side. Touted as outside contenders for Europe, they instead find themselves languishing in 11th, no European football to speak of, and a string of disappointing results now in the rearview mirror.

It’s a long way from last year’s sixth-place finish, and with Martin Zubimendi all but confirmed to be heading out the door (hello, Arsenal), this summer promises to be one of considerable change at the Reale Arena.

There was at least a flicker of late-season fight with a 3–2 win over Girona last weekend – their first taste of victory since the start of April. But even that wasn’t enough to lift them beyond the mid-table scrap, with their record of 13 wins, seven draws and 17 defeats making for grim reading by their standards.

Their away form has been particularly ropey: nine defeats from 18 La Liga road games is hardly the kind of platform on which comebacks are built. Their record against Madrid doesn’t inspire much optimism either – they’ve lost the last three league meetings, including a 2–0 defeat earlier this season and a narrow 2–1 loss at the Bernabéu in 2023–24.

Who’s In, Who’s Out?

For La Real, there’s some good news as Aihen Muñoz returns from suspension, ready to slot in at left-back. However, Nayef Aguerd, Sheraldo Becker and Orri Oskarsson remain significant doubts.

Zubimendi, making his final appearance for the club, is expected to anchor the midfield, potentially alongside Pablo Marín and Brais Méndez, while Mikel Oyarzabal will once again shoulder the responsibility in the attacking third. Takefusa Kubo and Ander Barrenetxea could both feature in the creative roles behind the striker.

At the back, Álex Remiro will be between the sticks, with a backline likely to feature Hamari Traoré, Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldia, and the returning Muñoz.

Predicted Starting XIs (in narrative form, of course)

Real Madrid are expected to take to the pitch with Thibaut Courtois in goal, with Lucas Vázquez and Fran García out wide, either side of a makeshift central pairing featuring Marco Asensio and Aurélien Tchouaméni. In midfield, Luka Modric is almost certain to start his final home league game, joined by the bustling energy of Fede Valverde, the flair of Arda Güler, and the steady influence of Dani Ceballos. Up top, Kylian Mbappé will seek to end his first La Liga campaign with a flourish, while Endrick could earn another start alongside the Frenchman.

For the visitors, Álex Remiro should start in goal, with a defensive four consisting of Hamari Traoré, Aritz Elustondo, Igor Zubeldia, and Aihen Muñoz. Midfield duties will fall to departing lynchpin Martin Zubimendi and youngster Pablo Marín, with Take Kubo, Brais Méndez, and Ander Barrenetxea expected to support Mikel Oyarzabal in attack.

Our Prediction: A Winning Send-Off for Ancelotti

Given Sociedad’s inconsistency and poor away form, it’s hard to back them to spring a surprise at the Bernabéu. Despite missing some big names, Real Madrid have enough quality and incentive to give Ancelotti the farewell he deserves. Expect a tight affair, perhaps with a few emotional substitutions late on, but ultimately one that goes the way of the hosts.

Prediction: Real Madrid 2–1 Real Sociedad

One Last Thing… Free Bets!

If you fancy a flutter on the final weekend of La Liga action, look no further than Parimatch where new customers can claim a Bet £5 Get £30 in free bets offer. Whether you’re backing a Bellingham-less Madrid to scrape through or tipping Oyarzabal to spoil the party, there’s plenty of value to be found with the right punt.

And with farewells, fresh starts, and a touch of final-day drama on the cards, there’s no better excuse to make the most of some smart free bet bonuses. After all, if the season’s ending, it may as well end with a win — whether on the pitch or in your bet slip.

From a Betting Perspective

Real Madrid’s final La Liga fixture of the 2024/25 season sees them welcome Real Sociedad to the Bernabéu, and while the league title may already be draped in blaugrana colours over in Catalonia, the capital club will want to finish the campaign on a high. The odds certainly reflect that confidence, with Real Madrid 4/9 favourites to win in 90 minutes. A draw is a reasonable 4/1, while an unlikely away win for La Real is a lengthier 6/1—perhaps fair, given the Basques have been about as reliable on the road as a sunroof in a thunderstorm.

Goals on the Cards? Or a Cagey Affair?

The bookmakers reckon we’re more likely to see a few fireworks than a bore draw, with Over 2 goals priced at just 2/11. Over 2.5 is still odds-on at 1/2, while Over 3 goals is a tempting 7/10. Think we’re in for a bonanza? Over 4.5 goals is 3/1, Over 5.5 is 7/1, and if you’re dreaming of an 8-goal classic (perhaps after too many espressos), Over 8.5 sits at 66/1.

On the other hand, if you think this might be more farewell parade than full-throttle football, Under 4 total goals is 6/17, with Under 2.5 available at 7/4, and the elusive Under 0.5—for those backing the snoozefest—priced at 22/1.

If you’re guessing the exact number of goals, 3 goals is the favoured outcome at 3/1, followed by 2 goals at 7/2, and 4 at 19/5. Feeling cheeky? 7 or more is priced at 12/1, while a soul-crushing 0-0 can be found at 22/1.

First Goalscorer Market: Mbappé Tops the Charts

Unsurprisingly, Kylian Mbappé leads the market to open the scoring at 13/5, having netted 41 goals already this term. Vinicius Junior, aka José Vinicius in the formal stakes, follows at 5/1, while Endrick is hot on his heels at 13/2.

La Real’s hopes may lie with Mikel Oyarzabal at 10/1, though he’ll have to fight off Brahim Diaz and Victor Muñoz(10/1 and 15/2 respectively). Elsewhere, Arda Güler is a tidy 12/1, Sheraldo Becker and Takefusa Kubo both come in at 14/1, and midfield threats like Brais Méndez are on at 15/1.

Fancy an outside flutter? Names like Federico Valverde, Ander Barrenetxea, and Mikel Goti are all chalked up at 18/1, while Daniel Diaz, Alex Marchal, and No Goalscorer all sit at 22/1. The real long shots? Luka Modric, Jacobo Ramon, Chema Andres, and Pablo Marín—all priced at 25/1, presumably hoping to channel their inner Zinedine.

Oh, and David Alaba as first goalscorer? 1/100. Either someone at the bookies hit the wrong key, or the Austrian is about to reinvent himself as a false nine.

Anytime Goalscorer: Spread the Bets

Mbappé is again the most likely to score at any point, with his odds sitting at 8/13. Vinicius Junior is next at 29/20, followed by Endrick at 39/20 and Victor Muñoz at 11/5.

Looking further afield, Rodrygo (or “de Goes Rodrygo” for the full-name purists) is 13/5, and Oyarzabal clocks in at 3/1. Brahim Diaz is a lively option at 17/5, with Arda Güler at 18/5. If you’re feeling creative, Sheraldo Becker at 17/4or Take Kubo at 5/1 offer flair and finishing in equal measure.

Want value? Valverde is 6/1, Daniel Diaz and Mikel Goti both at 13/2, and a hefty list of players including Zakharyan, Mariezkurrena, Ander Barrenetxea, and Luka Sucic all sit around 7/1.

Even deeper cuts like Pablo Marín (8/1), Jacobo Ramon (17/2), and Chema Andres or Sergio Gomez (both 9/1) are worth a look if you’re playing with Parimatch’s Bet £5 Get £30 in Free Bets bonus and fancy a cheeky long-shot payout.

Half-Time/Full-Time Markets: For the Plot Lovers

Backing Real Madrid to dominate both halves? That’s 23/20 for the Real/Real combo. A level first half before Madrid push on? Draw/Real Madrid returns 15/4. The cagey Draw/Draw scenario is 15/2.

Daring to dream of Sociedad spoiling the party? Real Sociedad/Real Sociedad is 11/1, while a late comeback – Real Sociedad/Real Madrid – pays a generous 22/1. But if you’re banking on utter madness, Real Madrid/Real Sociedad is an absurd 60/1. Stranger things have happened… probably.

Winning Margin: By a Little or a Lot?

Real Madrid to win by a single goal is 14/5, while a two-goal cushion is 7/2. Fancy them to go full Harlem Globetrotters? A three-goal win is 11/2, and four or more goals gets you 7/1.

If you’ve got a soft spot for underdog stories, Sociedad to win by one is 17/2, two goals is 18/1, and anything more than that is either 60/1 or 175/1, depending how far you’re stretching the imagination.

For those banking on a tepid stalemate, 0-0 draw is available at 22/1—not bad if you think both sides will take a siesta instead.

Goalkeeper Saves: A Niche Delight

If you enjoy the finer things—like a keeper tipping one over the bar—this is your market.

• Alex Remiro Over 2.5 Saves: 1/5, Over 3.5: 8/15, Over 4.5: 11/10
• Going bigger? Over 5.5 is 2/1, Over 6.5: 4/1, and Over 9.5 Saves is a spicy 22/1
• Thibaut Courtois, if starting, is 10/11 for Over 2.5, and 9/2 for Over 4.5.
• Andrii Lunin, should he get the nod, mirrors those odds—2/1 for Over 3.5, and 10/1 for Over 5.5.

Perfect if you fancy the goalkeepers to steal the show… or at least earn their wage.

Corner Count: Over or Under the Flag?

For those obsessed with corners (no judgement), Under 11.5 is 4/7, and Over 8.5 is a short 2/5. The sweet spot looks to be around the 9.5 to 11.5 range, with 10 corners exactly priced at 1/1, and 10.5 Over at 11/10.

If you’re going full spreadsheet mode, Over 17.5 corners is 22/1, and Over 19.5 is a whopping 50/1. But maybe don’t bet the mortgage on that.

Final Whistle

With farewell tears, tactical tweaks, and the last hints of summer transfer tension all swirling at the Bernabéu, Real Madrid will be looking to see out the season in style. Whether you fancy Mbappé to mark the occasion with a brace, Sociedad to crash the party, or Courtois to earn MOTM with eight saves, there’s no shortage of markets to explore.

And don’t forget—the free bet offers from the leading UK betting sites makes it even easier to add a little extra drama to your Saturday afternoon.

So, here’s to the final dance in Madrid. May your bets be brave and your corners plentiful.

Outright Winner Odds

First Goalscorer Odds

Anytime Goalscorer Odds

Half Time/Full Time Odds

Total Goals – Under Odds

Total Goals – Over Odds

Total Goals – Exact Odds

Goalkeeper Saves Odds

Winning Margin Odds

Total Corners Odds