It wasn’t pretty in the first half in what was a defensive match from start to finish, but Real Madrid’s two second half goals were enough to get past Real Sociedad. Here are three takeaways from the win that pushed Los Blancos into first in La Liga.
FC Barcelona’s draw on Friday and Real Madrid’s narrow victory over La Real means Zinedine Zidane’s side will sit atop the Spanish top flight at the end of the matchday 30. After drawing and winning over their rivals early this season, Los Blancos are in first despite being level on points.
Zizou juggled his lineup again for the side’s first away match since play resumed a week ago and despite leaving Eden Hazard and Luka Modric on the bench, Madrid got it done.
Here are the takeaways.
Veteran leadership provides the offense
The goals for Real Madrid came from Sergio Ramos through a penalty kick in the 50th minute and Karim Benzema in the 70th.
The Big Benz and El Capitan lead the team in goals this league campaign – 17 and seven respectively – and rose to the occasion once again tonight. The high, constant press of the hosts rattled Real Madrid in the first half and the team totaled 10 shots with six on target.
Sergio’s tally from the spot was clinical once again and despite being a defender, Ramos has converted his last 17 attempts from the spot. What’s clear is that Ramos is in the head of opposing goalkeepers after inheriting the stigma that he loves to do a ‘panenka’ when taking these spot kicks.
Goalkeeper Álex Remiro made a snap decision and chose the wrong side as Sergio thumped the ball into the bottom corner.
The second goal – which would be the game-winner – was another masterclass from Benzema. The French international took his time settling the cross from Federico Valverde on his shoulder, took a couple of dribbles, and wrong-footed Remiro.
Karim now has three goals in his last two matches and has played 258 minutes since the return to play. Ramos and Benzema are the offensive spark plugs for this team, but could fatigue start to creep into their performances?