Real Madrid are set to restart their campaign this weekend as they play hosts to Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Heading into the game, one of Real Sociedad’s star players Brais Mendez sat down with Diario AS for an exclusive interview, where he spoke about the Real Madrid challenge, among other things.

Brais Mendez on playing at Santiago Bernabeu

With Real Sociedad set to make their debut in the Champions League next midweek, Mendez said the test against Real Madrid is quite significant.

“We see it as a historic and enormous match against Inter, but we know that first, we have another great one at the Bernabéu, against the most in-form team there is in the League right now without a doubt,” Mendez said.

“We have to focus on that and then we will think about Wednesday’s game,” he added. “I remember the first time I played there, which really impressed me.”

“But if I’m honest, right now, the game I remember is from last year, the 0-0, in which we made a great effort because we had just competed at Camp Nou in the Cup,” Mendez further added.

Formerly of Celta, Brais Mendez has made a name for himself at Real Sociedad. The playmaker is one of the club’s most important sources of creativity, having notably racked up two assists so far this season.

Continuing on Santiago Bernaneu, Mendez stated, “It is true that the first times you play there, it does amaze you and gives you a lot of respect, but now we are used to playing on such big stages.”

When asked about the formula to play at Bernabeu, Mendez replied, “Well, competing as if each ball were the last, suffering and trying to take advantage of the opportunities you have. You can’t concede almost any chances, because they are going to score at the slightest chance.”

“You really have to take advantage of the chances you have. In those games against teams with such potential you have to be effective,” he added.

Mendez on Bellingham, Benzema & Vinicius

Mendez also talked about the Real Madrid team, highlighting the loss of Karim Benzema and how it may impact the squad.

“Real Madrid are still one of the best teams in the world. The squad they have is spectacular, although they have left a very important player like Benzema. But in the end, they have signed very well,” he said.

“And they continue Vinicius, Rodrygo, Modric, Kross, Camavinga, Valverde… Whoever plays, it is an incredible squad,” he added.

Mendez also spoke at length about Jude Bellingham’s exceptional start to life in La Liga, particularly his scoring touch.

“Well, it didn’t surprise me, to be honest, because as a footballer I expected what I saw. But what I didn’t expect was for him to be scoring goals like that,” he said.

Mendez said Bellingham’s current form is merely a streak, adding, “But they are streaks, perhaps in the second round it will cost more. Right now the truth is that he can be seen connecting with everything that comes his way.”

The Real Sociedad playmaker suggested that Bellingham’s form reminds him of his own form last season.

“A little yes, because of what I did. It’s just that they are streaks or moments, you have to take advantage of them and in the end, you don’t know when that streak is going to end, but if it continues at this level, then it’s going to be difficult to break it, eh,” he said.

Finally, Brais Mendez talked about the absence of Vinicius Junior and how it could be a blow for Real Madrid.

“Man, I always like to face the best, but it is true that it is a very sensitive loss for them,” he said.