Real Madrid At Real Sociedad: 3 X-Factors To Watch On Matchday 2

Real Madrid will face Real Sociedad on Matchday 2 at the Anoeta Stadium. Here are three X-Factors that could swing the balance of the game.

Last season, Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad in both of their La Liga meetings. But they were bounced out of the Copa del Rey by La Real and were tested by the opposition in their most recent home meeting.

So Sunday’s game won’t be an easy win for Real Madrid. Far from it. Without Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio, and potentially other key players, Real must dig down deep to secure all three points on the road in their 2020-2021 La Liga opener.

These three X-Factors could help Los Blancos.

1. Nacho Monreal’s health against Real Madrid

Real Sociedad left back Nacho Monreal is expected to play on Sunday, but he is nursing an injury. If he can’t play against Real Madrid, then young right winger Rodrygo Goes has a real chance to wreak havoc on the vulnerable Sociedad defense.

And if Monreal plays at less than 100 percent, Rodrygo could still benefit. Rodrygo is one of the best wingers in the league, capable of playing crisp passes and getting into goal-scoring positions with his intelligence off-ball movement and strength. As Galatasaray saw first hand, Rodrygo can score in a variety of ways.

Monreal’s health is crucial to La Real’s defensive performance at home. Defense is not La Real’s strong suit, and their back four will be tested by the hungry Real Madrid attack.