Madrid aims to erase dire end to 2012 vs. Sociedad

Madrid coach Jose Mourinho set off a firestorm of criticism in Madrid's last game of 2012 by dropping Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas. The move backfired as Madrid lost at Malaga, leaving the defending champions 16 points adrift of leader Barcelona.

On Wednesday, Madrid lost defender Pepe for a month after he had surgery on his right ankle.

"We want to have a perfect beginning to the year," Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo said. "Our rival is playing well, but we want to start this year better than the way we ended the last."

Barcelona will look to extend its league-record start of 16 wins and a draw at home against crosstown rival Espanyol on Sunday, while second-place Atletico Madrid— nine points behind the leaders— visits Mallorca.

Ronaldo acknowledged that Madrid's disappointing campaign has led to problems inside the club.

"It's complicated but also normal that things are more tense when a team that is used to winning isn't playing up to the level it should," the Portugal forward said. "There are many factors. When things don't go well they snowball and it is gets tougher. We dropped points we shouldn't have and that has affected us."

Ronaldo, however, failed to quash speculation about his future.

"I don't want to talk about extending my contract (past 2015). It's not important now," he said.

Defender Fabio Coentrao may not play after reportedly having disciplinary problems with the club, but Madrid could get striker Gonzalo Higuain back after being sidelined for two months with an injury.

Sociedad coach Philippe Montanier has his club playing its best football since he took over at the start of last season. The Basque club is undefeated in its last seven league matches, with four wins and three draws.

Sociedad's attractive attacking style is led by Mexico forward Carlos Vela and his team-high seven goals. Young French standout Antoine Griezmann and veteran homegrown playmaker Xabi Prieto add to its punch up front.