Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso leads tributes as Liverpool legend John Toshack makes rare public appearance to accept highest honour from Real Sociedad

Ahead of the La Liga fixture, Sociedad paid tribute to their former coach with the club's most prestigious honour, the Diamond and Gold badge. Former Reds midfielder Alonso also greeted Toshack, while Sociedad manager Sergio Francisco stood beside the veteran Wales star.

Toshack was affected by COVID-19 in 2022 and was admitted to a Spanish hospital in a serious condition. Since then, the 76-year-old hardly makes public appearances, although he duly accepted Real Sociedad's invitation. Toshack had earlier told Wales Online: "When somebody tells you that you were out for two weeks, it's frightening. You can win a championship in two weeks or get relegated. When I think back on it now, it's frightening."

Madrid maintained their 100 per cent win record in La Liga as they edged out Sociedad 2-1, courtesy of goals from Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler. Despite being reduced to 10 men due to Dean Huijsen's sending off, Alonso's men emerged victorious. 

The Spanish giants will be back in action on Tuesday as they take on Roberto De Zerbi's Marseille in their Champions League opener.