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Real Madrid 3 – 0 Real Sociedad: Three Takeaways From the Win

By Alex McVey

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Head coach Zinedine Zidane (L) of Real Madrid CF gives instructions to his player Mateo Kovacic (L) during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 29, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 29: Head coach Zinedine Zidane (L) of Real Madrid CF gives instructions to his player Mateo Kovacic (L) during the La Liga match between Real Madrid CF and Real Sociedad de Futbol at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on January 29, 2017 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 3-0  at the Bernabéu Sunday to open up a four point lead atop the La Liga table. Here, Alex McVey reviews the match with 3 key takeaways from the game.

(Photo by Guillermo Martinez/Corbis via Getty Images)
(Photo by Guillermo Martinez/Corbis via Getty Images) /

1) Kovačić has what it takes.

Mateo Kovačić was the undisputed man of the match against Real Sociedad. A goal, an assist, and six tackles cap off an excellent performance from the young Croatian. Perhaps Kovačić’s most impressive skill, his lung-busting dribbles through the midfield, was on full display. When Kovačić dips his shoulder, you can almost guarantee he’s getting ready to skate past his opponent with ease. With Luka Modrić out injured, Real Madrid cannot underestimate how lucky they are to have Kovačić as a backup.

2) Is Ronaldo busting his slump?

CR7 has been going through a rough patch as of late. Despite picking up a free kick goal against Celta in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey, Ronaldo has failed to impose himself on matches since picking up his latest Balon D’or. It looked for a while that the trend was going to continue against Sociedad, as Ronaldo and Benzema were sloppy moving forward, misplacing a number of passes. However, Ronaldo turned it on toward the end of the second half, combining well with Kovačić, each assisting the other for a goal. Let’s hope Ronaldo can keep up the good form, as we’ll need him in top shape moving forward.

3) This may be the most important victory of the season.

I know it seems strange to say about a random home match in La Liga against Real Sociedad, but this may have been the most important win Zidane’s men will pick up all season. In the middle of an injury crisis of a severe magnitude, and after winning only one of the last five matches, Los Blancos were in dire need of a win to restore some of the lost confidence from their 40-match unbeaten streak.

Both 2nd place Sevilla and 3rd place Barcelona dropped points this weekend, which gave Madrid a great opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table. After finally losing to Sevilla, Real Madrid looked mentally shaken and physically exhausted. This match was as important for Madrid’s emotional state as it was for the state of the league table. Madrid is now four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand. Hopefully the January crisis is now fully in the past, and Madrid can return to their high-flying ways.

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