Three takeaways as Real Madrid bow out of the Copa del Rey

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Real Madrid’s 21-match unbeaten streak is finally over and unfortunately it came in the Copa del Rey at the Santiago Bernabéu. Zinedine Zidane’s rotated squad simply couldn’t keep Real Sociedad at bay as the visitors bagged four goals and held on late to win 4-3.

There is a lot that can be said about this match but I will try to keep it as straight forward and unbiased as possible.

From the kickoff, Real Madrid looked good. They were passing the ball well, moving off the ball, and creating chances in front of Sociedad’s goal.

The biggest problem for The Whites was transitioning from offense back to defense and slowing down the quick counter-attacks of the visitors. Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard and Alexander Isak put on a master-class against center backs Sergio Ramos and Eder Militao as the two defenders looked flustered for the majority of the contest.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 06: Martin Odegaard of Real Sociedad reacts during the Spanish King Cup match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad on February 06, 2020 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images) /

Loaning Martin Odegaard was a mistake

We Madridistas were taught a lesson today. “Don’t loan wickedly talented young players to high quality teams in Spain.”

The Norwegian international was stellar in his return to the Bernabéu where he has now played more matches as a visitor than as a member of the Real Madrid first team. And, funny enough, he scored his first ever goal in Los Blancos’ home ground in the 22nd minute after settling a rebound off of Alphonse Areola and slapping it back on net.

The young playmaker should’ve been credited for an assist early in the second half as well, but the goal was disallowed due to an offside after a VAR check. I think Odegaard played so well against his parent club it was an act of courtesy from Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil to bring him off as the first substitute before the hour mark.

All these statements from the player and his agent saying that he will stay in San Sebastian for another season on loan are ridiculous.

If tonight wasn’t proof enough that Real Madrid should be using this kid at the start of next season, they should just get rid of him. Imagine all the incredible combinations Zidane could use with Odegaard roaming either as a winger or as an attacking midfielder.

The team needs his creativity and wits in the team ASAP.

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