Real Madrid is gearing up for a crucial phase that could define their season, starting with a match against the formidable Real Sociedad on Saturday. The team is under pressure to maintain their pursuit of Barcelona, who leads the La Liga table, and hopes to continue the momentum built from seven consecutive league victories. However, the absence of star player Kylian Mbappe, who missed two consecutive training sessions due to a left knee injury, poses a significant challenge, especially against a strong opponent like Sociedad.

The situation at the Santiago Bernabeu has been tense, especially following the dismissal of coach Xabi Alonso and a disappointing exit from the Copa del Rey against Albacete, a second-division team. This has dampened the morale of the players, who now find themselves in a tight title race. The increasing gap between them and Barcelona has players and fans alike on edge, as they try to decrease the current one-point deficit and re-establish their confidence ahead of critical matches.

Moreover, the team's recent struggles were highlighted by a 4-2 loss to Benfica in the UEFA Champions League, which left Real Madrid failing to secure an automatic qualification for the knockout stage. Throughout the first half of the season, they appeared to be contenders for the top spots in the competition, but recent performances have raised questions about their consistency and ability to compete under pressure. With crucial matches against both Sociedad and Benfica ahead, the upcoming games are pivotal for the team's aspirations in both domestic and European competitions.