Real Madrid managed to ward off the fears of repeating the Anoeta disaster against Real Sociedad. Real Madrid came from behind after conceding an early goal, not surprisingly from a corner kick, to win the game with a convincing scoreline. The absence of Ronaldo was largely covered by a sublime performance from Karim Benzema who got his name on the scoresheet twice.
First Half Analysis
The game started on a positive note for David Moyes as his side managed to grab the lead at the Bernabeu just 46 seconds after kick-off. Elustondo found himself free inside the box on a corner-kick and he made full use of the opportunity to break the deadlock. Real Madrid yet again displayed their vulnerability while defending early in the game and also their weakness with the set-pieces. Unsurprisingly, Sociedada s lead did not last for long as Marceloa s cross found James Rodriguez in the box, who headed the ball into the back of the net with ease. The equaliser came barely a minute after the first goal. Moyesa side was doing a good job defending and creating a few dangerous opportunities against the run of play. However, it was not long until Real Madrid found the back of the net yet again as Sergio Ramos got on the scoresheet after scoring off a corner to make it 2-1. The corner reached Benzema, whose shot was saved but only for Sergio Ramos to score the rebound. Real Madrid looked to get back to their usual self after the Ramos goal and continued creating chances. Karim Benzema produced a brilliant skill on the left wing beating defenders and forcing the goalkeeper to come out. The Frenchman squared the ball into the box towards James Rodriguez who would just have tapped the ball into the goal but strangely enough Gareth Bale intruded and decided to take the shot himself. With only a defender in front him, the Welshman failed to score the goal. Though it looked like the defender deflected the ball, it was a fairly simple chance and it should have been Real Madrida s third goal of the day.
Second Half Analysis
Madrid started the second half absolutely in control of the game. The home side were looking swift in their attacks, controlling the possession and creating chances. Everyone must have seen Real Madrida s third goal coming and it surely did in just seven minutes after the second half kicked off. The first half culprit Gareth Bale who had to endure some Bernabeu boo-boys made amends for missing a sitter earlier in the game. Bale combined beautifully with Benzema in a one-two inside the Sociedada s penalty box and when he only had the keeper in front of him, the Welshman decided to prod it back towards Benzema, who easily pushed the ball into the goal to make it 3-1. The ride just became easier for Real Madrid after the goal and they looked in complete control. Nothing much happened in the game for the next 20 minutes or so as Real Madrid decided to take their foot off the pedal, probably keeping the mid-week fixture against Real Sociedad in mind. Sociedad tried to get a bit crafty in the final third at times, but they failed to create anything notable. And then the highlight of the game came in the 77th minute as Real Madrid further extended their lead with a Karim Benzema stunner. The Frenchman combined wonderfully with Isco whose final pass to Benzema saw the striker unleash a lethal shot from the left side of the box in a tight angle. The shot curved in to the top-corner of the goal. The keeper was left stunned and Benzema probably produced one of the seasona s best La Liga goals. The game sealed Real Madrida s win and Ancelotti might have turned his focus to the mid-week fixture as he took Kroos and Benzema off to bring on Khedira and Chicharito.
Key Facts
- Sergio Ramos has now scored more league goals (3) than Luis Suarez (2) in the 2014-15 season.
- Real Madrid have now won their sixth consecutive home game against Real Sociedad going without losing for a decade at home.
Conclusion
Real Madrid displayed a wonderful performance showing their strength at home despite the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo. Iscoa s again did a great job in the midfield alongside Kroos and Illarramendi albeit in a more attacking role. The Spaniard will provide a selection headache for Ancelotti once Modric returns. Real Madrid are on the right track to win the league title, however, their biggest challenge comes next week as they host Sevilla and travel to Atletico in a matter of just three days. Their performance over the two games will define their season as any slip-up might prove very costly.