Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad: 5 MOTM candidates

Real Sociedad ST Alexander Isak

As we saw in last year’s Copa del Rey, Alexander Isak tends to play at a high level against Real Madrid, whom he once snubbed as a prospect. The 21-year-old striker is having an exceptional season in San Sebastian with 12 goals, and he’s been in ridiculous form lately. In fact, Isak has been one of the most in-form forwards in all of Europe.

Look at the stats. Isak has scored in each of his last six La Liga matches for a total of nine goals and one assist in that time span. It’s a good thing Real Madrid’s center back duo of Raphael Varane and Nacho Fernandez has been in fantastic form as well, but Isak could bring a little bit of magic to La Real inside the box.

Real Madrid CB Raphael Varane

Likewise, if Real Madrid can hold the front three of Mikel Oyarzabal, Portu, and Isak off the scoresheet again, then Raphael Varane stands a great chance of taking home Man of the Match honors on Matchday 25.

The French center back is quietly excelling as a leader at the back, stepping up to another level with Sergio Ramos injured. Varane scored twice in a comeback victory over Huesca a couple of weeks ago and has been lights-out since then. He’s avoided making any mistakes and has cleaned up literally everything. So often, Varane doesn’t even need to make a tackle, because he’s already read exactly what the opposing forward plans to do. Isak may be in form, but Varane is a daunting assignment for the young striker.