Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (Güler).
Having just returned from a trip to Madrid in which I witnessed both Real Madrid overcome Barcelona and Real Sociedad stall against Getafe - it felt fitting that they would both now go to battle against each other in their very next games.
Arda Güler started his first league game for Los Blancos in midfield, joined by Dani Ceballos.
This would set the action off, with Real Madrid taking the lead two minutes later through a decent Arda Güler finish through the legs of the goalkeeper.
Despite this, Real Madrid saw out the game with their goal advantage, confirming an important win in the league to put one hand on the trophy.
Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid (Güler). An important away win. Here is the reaction to the league match. Still to come: Player ratings, press conference quotes and a podcast.
Having just returned from a trip to Madrid in which I witnessed both Real Madrid overcome Barcelona and Real Sociedad stall against Getafe - it felt fitting that they would both now go to battle against each other in their very next games. Ahead of the semi-final showdown against Bayern Munich next week, Carlo Ancelotti decided to go for a heavy rotation to rest some players and allow an opportunity for others. For Kepa Arrizabalaga, this may well have been a thank you and goodbye start - for others such as Joselu Mato, this start up-front will hopefully not represent such an occasion. Arda Güler started his first league game for Los Blancos in midfield, joined by Dani Ceballos. Fede Valverde and Toni Kroos were amongst the substitutes. Sociedad, whom I consider the fourth best side in Spain (with a top three manager), were without several players against Getafe, and only Martín Zubimendi and Brais Méndez returned to the squad for this one. Takefusa Kubo started the game for the home side after losing some of the momentum from his superb start to the season. Nacho Fernández captained the team.
Madrid are three wins away from the La Liga title, so the mood going into this game was a mixed one and that certainly showed in the opening stages. The heavy rain set the tone, and the home side had the first decent chance of the game when a shot came in from the edge of the box and flew over the bar. This would set the action off, with Real Madrid taking the lead two minutes later through a decent Arda Güler finish through the legs of the goalkeeper. Sociedad would have the ball in the net almost instantly after Takefusa Kubo did well to beat Nacho Fernández and slot home. That goal was later disallowed correctly for a foul on Aurélien Tchouaméni in the build-up. Half-time, and Madrid managed to get in at the break with a 1-0 score-line.
The youngest players to score in their first start for Real Madrid in La Liga in the 21st century:
Rodrygo Goes - 18 years and 294 days
ARDA GÜLER - 19 years and 61 days
Jude Bellingham - 20 years and 44 days. @OptaJose pic.twitter.com/fKLCZjHYzO — Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) April 26, 2024
The second half started stronger as Real Sociedad almost scored within in a minute, with Kepa Arrizabalaga adding to his good performance with a low save. The chances would then dry up once more as Madrid tried to maintain their lead. The home side would have the ball in the net once more through Mikel Oyarzabal, but once again the goal would be chalked off of the board - this time due to an obvious offside. Oyarzabal would then spurn a great chance after being played through by Kubo. Sheraldo Becker would be next up to shoot just over the target as all of the late chances seemed to be falling for the other team. Despite this, Real Madrid saw out the game with their goal advantage, confirming an important win in the league to put one hand on the trophy. Thoughts on the game?
