Real Madrid had to settle for a goalless draw against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena Stadium, Monday (21/9).
Madrid’s dominance in this match was felt. The Spanish La Liga champions play one way and half the field.
Repeatedly Madrid had opportunities from the feet of Toni Kroos, Karim Benzema, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to color the match, but many times the opportunities were wasted.
Opportunities started to come towards the end of the first half. Benzema had two good chances but failed to score as he was under pressure from the Sociedad players. Toni Kroos and Martin Odegaard worked together to build up the attack, Mendy came and helped to send a pass to Benzema in the penalty box, unfortunately he slipped a little when he fired a shot and the ball went wide of Alex Remiro’s goal.
More often under pressure, Sociedad then showed offensive abilities in the dying minutes of the first half. Luckily for Madrid, Thibaout Courtois did well and made an important save.
Entering the second half, Madrid’s ball possession did not change. Statistical records show that Los Blancos’ possession has almost touched 70 percent.
Madrid’s efforts to score a goal deadlock. Attacks from the flank and the central corridor often end up being goal kicks for opponents or corners and throws in because Sociedad’s players drive them away.
El Real’s difficulty in releasing a precise and accurate finishing to the goal guarded by Alex Remiro continued until the match broke up. Not a single goal was lodged in the Sociedad goal.
Meanwhile, La Real, which was supported by David Silva’s performance since the middle of the second half, seemed quite satisfied to play defensively and occasionally made attacks that cannot be underestimated.
The 0-0 draw was the final result of the match and Madrid, who won one point, could not get closer to the top flight and were one level below Sociedad, who now have two points and are ranked ninth.
Here are some facts from this match:
• The departures of Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez have not made their right wing position clear. Rodrygo, who became the starter, did not appear convincing.
• Madrid were the first team to play a La Liga match with four different players born in 2000 or later (Vinicius, Rodrygo, Marvin Park and Sergio Arribas).
• Odegaard played his second La Liga match for Madrid and his first as a striker, 1,947 days from his debut in the competition (versus Getafe in May 2015).
• Karim Benzema becomes the third non-Spanish player to reach 350 appearances for Madrid in LaLiga, after Roberto Carlos (370) and Marcelo (358).
• Next Real Madrid will travel to Real Betis on Saturday. Real Sociedad against Elche on the same day.
