Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad: Match Preview
League leaders Real Madrid will be hosting fifth placed Real Sociedad at the Bernabéu on the 29th January in a match which will have serious implications for both teams.
Los Blancos are hanging by a thread at the top of the La Liga table with a one point lead over Sevilla, who are hot on their heels. Real Sociedad have won four of their last six league matches and are situated at a decent fifth position in the league. They will be anything but pushovers.
Real Madrid did not have the best start to 2017. Los Merengues have played seven matches up to now in January and won only three of them. Celta Vigo shocked many to advance to the semi-finals of the Copa Del Rey after winning the first leg against Real Madrid and then holding them to a draw at the Balaídos.
Not only did 2017 see the end of Madrid’s stunning 40 matches unbeaten streak but also suffered a drop in form. Zidane’s team is still a formidable force to reckon with. In the course of a season every team goes through a slump and Madrid seems to be going through the same. The mark of a great team is how fast they can recover from the slump and get back to their winning ways.
Unfortunately, with mounting injuries to vital players and getting knocked out from the Copa Del Rey, the confidence in the Madrid camp is low right now.
Real Sociedad however, know that they are visiting Madrid at the best of times. The opponents are going through a patchy spell. Sociedad will be looking to take full advantage of this. La Real are also coming into this game after getting battered by Barcelona in Copa Del Rey, losing 5-2 in the Camp Nou. But, their league form is commendable as they are still in the fight for a top four finish.
Real Madrid can’t afford a slip up as Sevilla are playing on the same day. If Sevilla win and Madrid draw or lose, then they will lose their top position which could be even more disastrous for their spirits, regardless of the game in hand. High flying Barcelona who are playing Real Betis will be looking for a win to close the gap on the top two of the table.
If Real Madrid doesn’t win, they might find themselves in third place with a game in hand. The La Liga table is extremely tight at the top with a three way battle for the title ensuing. If Los Blancos want to end their domestic draught with a title, then they have to bring back their 2016 form.
There might be some major changes to the top of the league this Sunday. Look out for it!