Real Madrid: 3 tactical decisions to watch against Real Sociedad

Here are some tactical strategies Real Madrid could use at Real Sociedad.

Before the suspension of the La Liga Santander due to the coronavirus pandemic, Real Sociedad were playing the best football before the break. Since the league started back up, La Real only managed to muster a point out of the Alaves, and Osasuna fixtures. As it stands, La Real are competing for a UEFA Europa League spot.

On the other hand, Real Madrid have won two fixtures since the break with three goals scored against Eibar and Valencia. Marco Asensio returned to the pitch after tearing his cruciate ligament. Just seconds after replacing Federico Valverde, he scored a beautiful volley assisted by Ferland Mendy.

Asensio also assisted Karim Benzema in a spectacular goal making it 3-0. On top of all of this, Eden Hazard continues to be relevant as he assisted Benzema for the first goal against Valencia.

Now, on to what to watch for on Sunday:

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Formation: 4-3-3

Carvajal, Ramos, Varane, Marcelo, Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Modric, Hazard, Benzema, and Asensio is the expected starting lineup. I would imagine Zidane does not want to keep Asensio out after a superb performance.

Marcelo provides Madrid with a dynamic attacking option. Mendy does as well, however, Mendy may be fatigued with Carvajal. I expect them to play in Sunday’s match against La Real.

Creating Problems for La Real:

La Real’s approach will be to break off Real Madrid’s passes vertically to form an attack in their center half. However, that will be difficult to do. Real Madrid has one of the best passes per defensive action.

If the Blancos can find a way to slow down Real Sociedad they will create problems for themselves. This happens in the last two of their matches. The harder they pressed, the more space opened up for Alaves and Osasuna, which is why they were unsuccessful in high press. Real Madrid have a pair of outside backs that can stretch the field if one of La Real’s defender is caught behind.

The Attack:

Real Madrid won two games. However, against Eibar they were firing on all cylinders in the first half, however, not so much in the second half. Against Valencia, they were firing on all cylinders in the second half and not so much in the first half.

However, in the second half, the Blancos did not allow a shot due to their high pressing. Against Valencia, after the Meringues netted the first goal, the pressing began like it normally would, however, the Blancos did not give Valencia the chance to think or build an attack. On another note, Joseba Zaldua is suspended for this match. This can be the match where Hazard can dominate on the left side.

Conclusion:

La Real’s slump after the break has been exploited by Alaves and Osasuna. The cause of them pressing players really does give them concerns of open areas on the pitch. This is where we will see Marcelo and Dani Carvajal get loose in the open. Eden Hazard has made life easier for Benzema, so that will be the top connection to watch tomorrow.

Prediction: 3-1 Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s organized attack will overwhelm La Real due to their high pressing on opponents. Real Madrid’s quick passing and ability to switch the play when needed. However, Real Madrid need to come out pressing like they did against Valencia in the second half. If they do that, La Real will be in shambles.

Next. Real Madrid's match against Real Sociedad is vital. dark

Real Madrid also has more talent on the bench to spark magic on the pitch. This match will be competitive. The winner of the match will be if one could hollow out the weaknesses of their opponent.

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