Real Madrid Starting XI Prediction vs. Real Sociedad for LaLiga’s Matchday 27
LW Vinicius Jr.
At some point, Vinicius Jr. should get some rest, because he looked quite worn out against both PSG and Rayo Vallecano. Even against Rayo’s defense, Vini struggled to find space, and his take-ons were surprisingly lacking. None of his tricks came off.
Yet at the end of the day, he was involved in another game-winning goal, providing the assist for Karim Benzema as part of an expertly-crafted one-two by the French legend.
Vinicius will have a week of rest in between games, and that should be enough. Andoni Gorosabel is not an easy matchup at right back for Real Sociedad, but you would expect Vinicius, determined as ever, to get the better of him.
CF Karim Benzema
As we saw in the first leg against PSG, the rule with Karim Benzema is simple. If he is even somewhat healthy, he is starting any big game. A match at the Bernabeu against Real Sociedad is 100 percent a big game. Benzema has looked fatigued over the past couple of months, but whenever Real Madrid need a goal, he is there to provide the goods in the clutch. It is amazing how consistently Benz can deliver for this team, even when he does not seem to be at his best.
In truth, Benzema needs a LOT more rest than anyone wants to let on, but who is going to save him from himself? And with Luka Jovic evidently not trusted at all by Ancelotti and the club, the likelihood of Benz resting before PSG decreases further.
Next. 3 Real Madrid players who have benefited from Carlo. dark
RW Marco Asensio
As I will say pretty much every week, Marco Asensio is Carlo Ancelotti’s No. 1 pick at the right wing position, for better or for worse. He trusts Asensio and likes the goal-scoring upside he brings to the table. Like many fans, Carletto is mesmerized by Asensio’s sweet left foot, and he constantly encourages the 26-year-old to shoot as often as possible.
Asensio was very involved in the first half of the match against Rayo, getting three good chances. He tailed off badly in the second half before being subbed for Rodrygo Goes. If Asensio does not put in a consistent shift against Real Sociedad, though, Ancelotti may circle back to Gareth Bale vs. PSG. After all, Asensio was a disaster in the first leg.