At full-time its Real Sociedad who take the three points after an inspired comeback. Coming to Anoeta is never easy for any team in the league and Real Madrid will rue all their missed chances that in reality could have ended the game within the first half hour of play. The early 2-0 lead looked to be an indication of a pummeling for Real Sociedad, but the players and the crowd in attendance put up a great effort and upset the European champions.
The goalscorers were Ramos and Bale for Madrid and Zurutuza (twice), Vela, and Martinez for Real Sociedad.
Halftime Analysis
At halftime the score was tied up at 2-2 in Anoeta. The game could have easily been beyond ‘la Real’s’ reach had Madrid finished all their chances. Madrid went up early after a well delivered corner from Kroos that Sergio Ramos made sure he got to first and headed home for Real Madrid’s first. Ramos is always a danger from set pieces.
The second came five minutes after in the 11th minute and it was from Gareth Bale. He received the ball on the edge of the box from Modric and slid it past the defender and hit a right foot shot past Zubikarai. It looked as though Madrid was cruising and to be fair not playing their best.
They had about three or four more chances before halftime to put the game beyond reach, but they could not take them. Not enough of Rodriguez on the ball. I still believe he’s gonna need time to get used to his teammates and the higher quality that is La Liga compared to Ligue 1. Isco looked good in the first half as well as Bale and Sergio Ramos.
Ramos almost scored a Ronaldo-esque golazo from a free kick that hit the crossbar. Real Sociedad started to settle into the game as time passed and broke through with a set piece that Iñigo Martinez finished off.
Suddenly the crowd was into the game and momentum started shifting towards Sociedad. Five minutes later David Zurutuza headed home a bullet from a De La Bella cross and tied it up for ‘la Real’. This team has proven over the last few seasons that they are tough at home and can go toe to toe with the best and they’ve proven it until now. Just before halftime Real Madrid had another chance to level. Those missed chances could prove costly.
Full Time Analysis
Real Sociedad mounted the come back and beat Real Madrid at the final whistle. The second half was all Real Sociedad. They dictated the tempo and won the midfield. The Real Madrid backline looked shaky in the second half. Zurutuza got his second of the night in the 65th minute connecting with a low cross from captain Xabi Prieto. Ten minutes later Carlos Vela scores off a set-piece to make it 4-2 for ‘la Real’ and kill the game right there. Poor set piece defending from Real Madrid once again.
Pepe wasn’t marking Vela and he had all the space and time to control the ball and get a shot off in the box. Towards the end of regular time Benzema and Rodriguez had two good chances to bring the game level, but could not put them away.
The introductions of Vela and Sergio Canales gave Sociedad a more attacking approach and Vela was causing problems for the Madrid backline. Zubikarai, Real Sociedad keeper, made a few good saves, but also lacked conviction when coming off his line in a few set pieces that could have cost his team the lead. Real Sociedad played much better in the second half, more organized and Real Madrid couldn’t find a way back after surrendering the lead.
Man of the Match
My pick for man of the match is David Zurutuza. He scored the goal to draw level and ultimately the winning goal to seal a rare victory for Real Sociedad against ‘los Galacticos’. Worked hard for the team on the attack and defense as well. Zurutuza put in a solid performance along with his team and they deserved the win.
There will be an international break so no La Liga action next weekend. Real Madrid return to action at the Bernabeu on the 13th of September against the champions of Spain, Atletico Madrid. Real Sociedad play Celta de Vigo.
