Real Madrid: Here’s why the Real Sociedad match is so crucial
By Parshva Shah
In the title race, every game holds utmost importance to Real Madrid.
The heat is on in La Liga! We are just nine matchdays away from witnessing which club gets crowned as the champions of Spain. Will Barcelona extend their supremacy over the likes of Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid by winning their third consecutive league title or will Real Madrid hoodoo everyone by sealing their own fate?
On Friday night, 1st-placed Barcelona faced third-placed Sevilla away at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium, in a must-win tie for both the heavyweights. However, Barcelona’s dismal outing and Sevilla’s frustrating finishing ensured a captivating yet goalless 0-0 stalemate.
Barcelona are just three points ahead, having played an extra game. Real Madrid, who visit Real Sociedad in probably the toughest fixture remaining on their list, need to capitalize on this as a win against the Basque club will propel them to the top of the La Liga table.
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Real Sociedad have been one of the most impressive sides in La Liga this season. Under coach Imanol Alguacil, they have transformed into one of the most effective attacking clubs in Spain, and have eked out important results.
In fact, Sociedad put on one of their best displays of this season in a dramatic 4-3 victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.
Even in the league in November, Sociedad lost even though they played good football. Martin Ødegaard was the metronome of the Sociedad midfield in both these games, while Mikel Oyarzabal toasted the full-backs.
Real Sociedad have shown that they have the potential to beat any La Liga outfit when they decide the opposition should dance to their tunes.
However, they have managed a paltry one point out of a possible six since the league has resumed. They lost against a determined Alavés team in their own stadium.
Players have looked heavy-legged and often seem to run out of steam. Doubts over their best player this season and Real Madrid loanee Martin Ødegaard piles on to their misery.
On the other hand, we have Real Madrid, who tore the Valencia defence apart in the last match. What’s more, Marco Asensio had a glittering ‘second debut’ (return from injury after 329 days!), which only revitalizes the attack furthermore. Mariano has been selected for the squad
Now the reason why this game holds so much significance is that Los Blancos have a great opportunity to pounce by having all hands on deck. Real Sociedad are misfiring unit at the moment, there are no qualms about that, but they are fighting for a European spot too and will have added incentive to cause an upset and gain some momentum.
Next. Real Madrid Predicted XI against Real Sociedad. dark
Real Madrid have two good results in their kitty since the resumption and they are favourites going into the game. However, if they fumble in this game, their momentum could be halted and their spirits would get dampened. Zidane will inadvertently lose ‘a final’ and that could thwart Real’s chances of winning the league.