Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Madrid's fumbling La Liga title challenge dealt another blow
Re-live the action from Santiago Bernabeu
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
Real Madrid slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad to deliver another blow to their fumbling title challenge in LaLiga.
Willian Jose opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside three minutes and, after Lucas Vazquez was sent off just after the hour mark, Ruben Pardo wrapped up the victory for the visitors inside the final 10 minutes.
Re-live the action below:
When is it?
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad gets underway at 17:30 GMT.
Where to watch
Eleven Sports are showing live coverage on the tie on Elven Sports 1
Odds
Real Madrid to win: 2/5
Real Sociedad to win: 7/1
Draw: 4/1
Prediction
Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad: It’s been two weeks since the visitors last played a league game and the tests do not come much tougher than this. Real Madrid have been inconsistent in the league this season, but they should be able to seal the three points from this one.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
28 minutes
Real Sociedad are causing more problems for Real Madrid's defence. They work the ball nicely, with incisive passing and intelligent movement. Januzaj swings in a cross, which Ramos is forced to deflect away. From the resulting corner, Casemiro is fouled.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
31 minutes
Casemiro wins the ball on the edge of Real Sociedad's box and drives towards goal. He's dispossessed by Moreno before he can get a shot off, though.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
34 minutes
Vinicius breaks down the left, gets to the byline and looks to put the ball across goal. Llorente, who has defended well throughout, blocks the cross. Real's attacks have been sporadic, and they've been unable to sustain any prolonged pressure.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
37 minutes
Real Madrid appear to have found some rhythm now. The visitors struggle to clear from their own box and Modric picks out Ramos in space on the right. His ball across is headed out for a corner, which is defended well. But some pressure is beginning to build now.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
38 minutes
Casemiro climbs highest from another corner but his header rises over the bar.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
40 minutes
Vazquez is in the book for a late challenge on Oyarzabal. It allows Real Sociedad to slow the game down. The aim for them will be to reach half time with their lead intact.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
45 minutes
Vazquez is unlucky not to score. He loops an effort over Rulli, which appears to be on its way in. But it curls away from goal and clips the outside of the post.
A minute of added time will be played.
Half time: That's it for the first half. It's been disappointing again from Real Madrid, who have had a couple of chances but lacked urgency and quality in the final third. For Real Sociedad, it was the ideal first 45 minutes having taken the lead early from the penalty spot. Whether they can hold on to their lead remains to be seen.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments