Xabi Alonso heads back to where is all began as Real Madrid return to La Liga action at Real Sociedad on September 13.
Alonso has been superb in the opening weeks of the season, with three wins from three, after replacing Carlo Ancelotti back in June.
Bigger challenges lie down the road, but a trip back to San Sebastian will be emotional for Alonso, as La Real gave him a first chance as a player and a manager.
The former midfielder came through the club's academy - and made 114 appearances for the first team - before joining Liverpool in 2004.
After a stellar playing career at Anfield, followed by stints at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, Alonso completed a full circle back to the Basque Country to start his coaching journey.
After impressing as one of Europe's top young coaches in charge of the Real Sociedad B team, Alonso was snapped up by Bayer Leverkusen, and catapulted on to Madrid as a Bundesliga champion.
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Ruthless Alonso aims to silence the Anoeta
Alonso speaks with respect and reverence about his old club, but his stint in Leverkusen and his early days in Madrid have shown his ruthless side, as he looks to hold off Barcelona this season.
Imanol Alguacil's hosts are winless in their opening three matches following the summer departure of talisman Martin Zubimendi.
Los Blancos also have a superb record in San Sebastian, with three wins from their last six visits to the Anoeta, and just one loss.
Once the noise quietens over the returning hero, Alonso will be down to business, ahead of a UEFA Champions League clash with Marseille in midweek.
Alonso's Brazil bonus hints at Rodrygo return
Ancelotti did Alonso a favour in the September break by not calling up any Real Madrid players to his Brazil squad.
On the back of this summer's FIFA Club World Cup, and with qualification for the 2026 World Cup already sealed, Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao remained in Madrid.
Militao has the edge over Antonio Rudiger as Dean Huijsen's defensive partner and Vini Jr is a nailed on starter.
Rodrygo's role is less clear, despite Alonso's message of wanting to retain him over the summer, with just one start so far in 2025/26.
Arda Guler has forced his way into Alonso's starting XI, but with Franco Mastantuono and Brahim Diaz facing long trips back to Spain from international duty, the right-sided attacking spot could be thrown back to Rodrygo.
Trent faces fresh Carvajal battle
Trent Alexander-Arnold has endured a mixed start to life in Madrid as Alonso continues to rotate his right-back spot with club captain Dani Carvajal.
The former started both home matches in August, in wins over Osasuna and Mallorca, with Carvajal preferred for the victory on the road at Real Oviedo.
Trent was always going to face a battle from the resilient Carvajal, who looks back fit after an ACL injury, and he will not let his starting spot go with ease.
The sense remains of Trent waiting for a moment to explode his Real Madrid career, but the brutal Spanish media are already murmuring, as Alonso looks to shield him from unfair focus.
In Take Kubo, Real Sociedad have of La Liga's best 1v1 wingers, and that could tip the balance for Carvajal to return on the back of Trent's omission from England duty.
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