Real Madrid

Just like Mourinho anticipated, Real Madrid’s match against Real Sociedad proved to be their most difficult yet this season. The Basques set many little traps for the Whites, planning several ambushes they had to overcome in order to take three points. Real Madrid never gave up and stood tall at the end of the encounter despite facing a solid opponent in a hostile atmosphere.

The Madridistas were focused on dominating the match from the start. Within ten minutes of playing time, Real Madrid had five shots on target. The locals played as intensely as the Whites and the game gradually started to lose control. Real Sociedad focused on attacking down the left wing, with Xabi Prieto serving many crosses into Casillas’ box. Griezmann had two clear chances to score, but his shots were off target.

Mourinho’s men stood firm and tried to score through fast counterattacks led by Ronaldo and Di Maria. Ozil looked more uncomfortable on the pitch today; his usually paused, intelligent and reflective game being hampered by the lack of control of the game.

The second half had a similar start to the first, with a pace similar to that of Premiership matches. Di Maria managed to score a beautiful goal from outside the box on the 5-minute mark following a run down the left wing.

Real Sociedad wouldn’t give up and put pressure on the Whites, eventually drawing the clash from a set piece finished off by Tamudo. Real Madrid kept looking for a winner and Cristiano, who tried to score countless times all night, netted the winner from a free-kick after the ball bounced off Pepe’s back.

Di Maria and Ozil were replaced by Lass and Granero, respectively, to thwart Real’s ventures in attack. This helped the Madridistas control the match and they came close to scoring more strikes through Ronaldo and Higuain.

Lineups

Real Sociedad
Bravo
Carlos Martínez
Ansotegi
Mikel González
De la Bella
Rivas
Xabi Prieto
Aranburu
Sutil 83'
Zurutuza
Viguera 69'
Griezmann
Tamudo	Goal 63'
Agirretxe 79'

Real Madrid
Casillas
Sergio Ramos
Pepe
Ricardo Carvalho
Marcelo
Xabi Alonso
Khedira
Özil
Lassana Diarra 78'
Di María	Goal 52'
Granero 82'
Cristiano Ronaldo	Goal 75'
Higuaín
Benzema 91'