Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: A Hard-Fought Victory in San Sebastian

Real Madrid emerged victorious in a closely contested LaLiga match against Real Sociedad, securing a crucial 2-0 win at the Reale Arena in San Sebastian. The Whites maintained their unbeaten streak in all competitions this season, with goals from Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé ensuring the victory. The result solidifies Real Madrid’s standing at the top of the table, while Real Sociedad will rue missed opportunities in a game that could have gone either way.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Head-to-Head

Real Sociedad and Real Madrid have a long-standing rivalry in LaLiga, with Real Madrid historically holding the upper hand. Coming into this fixture, Real Sociedad looked to capitalize on their home advantage, while Real Madrid aimed to continue their dominant run in the league. Both teams have displayed attacking prowess, making this encounter a much-anticipated clash.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Lineups and Substitutes

Real Sociedad (4-5-1 Formation)

Goalkeeper:

1. Álex Remiro

Defenders:

• 12. Javi López (Right-back)
  27. Nayef Aguerd (Center-back)
  28. Igor Zubeldia (Center-back)
  29. Jon Aramburu (Left-back)

Midfielders:

• 11. Sheraldo Becker (Right Midfielder)
  14. Sergio Gómez (Central Midfielder)
  15. Martín Zubimendi (Central Defensive Midfielder)
  16. Luka Sucic (Central Midfielder)
  17. Takefusa Kubo (Left Midfielder)

Forward:

• 19. Umar Sadiq (Striker)

Substitutes:

• 13. Unai Marrero
  31. Jon Ander Olasagasti
  32. Mikel Oyarzabal
  33. Aritz Elustondo
  34. Álvaro Odriozola
  35. Pablo Marín
  36. Jon Martín

Real Madrid (4-5-1 Formation)

Goalkeeper:

1. Thibaut Courtois

Defenders:

• 23. Ferland Mendy (Left-back)
  2. Antonio Rüdiger (Center-back)
  3. Éder Militão (Center-back)
  4. Dani Carvajal (Right-back)

Midfielders:

• 10. Luka Modric (Central Midfielder)
  21. Federico Valverde (Central Midfielder)
  22. Vinícius Júnior (Left Midfielder)
  23. Arda Güler (Right Midfielder)
  24. Brahim Díaz (Attacking Midfielder)

Forward:

• 9. Kylian Mbappé (Striker)

Substitutes:

Fran García
Andriy Lunin
Chema Andrés
Sergio Mestre
Jesús Vallejo

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid First Half: Missed Chances for Both Sides

The first half was an end-to-end affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. In the 18th minute, Real Madrid came close when Kylian Mbappé cut inside, only for his shot to be brilliantly saved by Real Sociedad’s keeper, Álex Remiro. Real Sociedad responded seven minutes later, with Luka Sučić’s long-range effort rattling the crossbar, much to the relief of Thibaut Courtois.

As the half wore on, both sides tested each other’s defenses. Real Madrid had a chance to break the deadlock from a set-piece in the 30th minute, but Antonio Rüdiger’s powerful header was again saved by Remiro. The tempo remained high, with Umar Sadiq hitting the crossbar for Real Sociedad in the 36th minute after a fine solo run.

Despite the chances, the first half ended goalless, leaving both teams eager to break the deadlock in the second period.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Second Half: Real Madrid Take Control

Real Sociedad started the second half brightly and were again denied by the woodwork when Sučić’s shot hit the post in the 48th minute. However, it was Real Madrid who drew first blood. In the 58th minute, a shot from Arda Güler struck the arm of Sergio Gómez inside the box, prompting the referee to award a penalty. Vinícius Júnior stepped up and calmly slotted the ball home to give Madrid the lead.

Real Sociedad pushed forward in search of an equalizer but left themselves vulnerable at the back. In the 75th minute, Jon Aramburu fouled Vinícius Júnior inside the penalty area, and after consulting the VAR, the referee awarded a second penalty. This time, Mbappé took the responsibility, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to secure the 2-0 lead for Los Blancos.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Stats

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Timeline of Events

• 18′: Mbappé’s left-footed shot saved by Remiro.
• 25′: Sučić’s shot hits the crossbar.
• 30′: Rüdiger’s header saved by Remiro.
• 36′: Sadiq’s effort hits the crossbar.
• 48′: Sučić’s shot hits the post.
• 58′: Vinícius Júnior scores from the penalty spot (0-1).
• 75′: Mbappé converts a penalty to double the lead (0-2).
• 90′: Endrick comes on for Mbappé.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Full-Time Summary

Real Madrid’s clinical second-half performance was enough to secure a 2-0 victory, with penalties from Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé proving decisive. Real Sociedad created several chances but were denied by the crossbar and some fine goalkeeping from Courtois. Despite their efforts, the home side couldn’t find the breakthrough they needed.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Impact on the Points Table

With this victory, Real Madrid remains unbeaten and continues to pressure Barcelona at the top of the LaLiga table. The win moves them up to second place with 11 points from five games, just one point behind leaders Barcelona. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, remains in the mid-table, and their failure to capitalize on home advantage may impact their aspirations for a top-four finish this season.

Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid Man of the Match: Vinícius Júnior

Vinícius Júnior’s electrifying performance on the wing, coupled with his crucial opening goal, earned him the Man of the Match accolade. His pace and skill were a constant threat to Real Sociedad’s defense, and he played a key role in both penalties that secured the victory for Real Madrid.

Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad in San Sebastian highlighted their resilience and tactical discipline. Although Real Sociedad came close to scoring on multiple occasions, Madrid’s experience and quality in front of goal proved the difference. This result strengthens their title challenge and sends a clear message that they remain a formidable force in LaLiga this season. Real Sociedad, despite their valiant efforts, will look to bounce back in the next match and rectify their missed opportunities.