Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad: Score, Reaction from 2015 La Liga Match
Real Madrid struggled to a 3-1 win against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Wednesday, but the mood from supporters at the Santiago Bernabeu was compromised due to the hosts' average performance.
Cristiano Ronaldo inexplicably missed a penalty after 24 minutes for Los Blancos but made amends shortly before the half-time whistle by converting a second spot-kick. Bruma levelled shortly after the break for Sociedad, but Ronaldo volleyed a second to reclaim the lead.
It was left to Lucas Vazquez to score his first goal for the senior side as he wrapped up the points in the dying minutes.
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Manager Rafael Benitez preferred Pepe and Nacho in defence to Raphael Varane, despite the absence of Sergio Ramos. James Rodriguez continued in a deeper central midfield after previously being overlooked by Benitez for the starting XI.
Xabi Prieto was selected ahead of Carlos Vela for Sociedad, as the visitors set up in an attacking 4-4-2.
Madrid failed to start the match in good shape and looked sluggish as the Txuriurdin settled well to their task. However, the Basques lost star forward Imanol Agirretxe after 18 minutes after colliding with Galactico goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
ESPN's Dermot Corrigan bemoaned the challenge by the stopper, which hamstrung Sociedad's prospects:
Madrid won a penalty midway through the first half after Karim Benzema was adjudged to have been fouled by Yuri, but the decision appeared to be a soft one, as the Frenchman tumbled to the ground with ease.
Ronaldo stepped up to take the spot-kick but blazed his effort high over the bar to the embarrassment of the home crowd and his coach.
Bleacher Report's Karl Matchett believed justice had been served as the forward miscued:
The Portugal icon made up for his mistake shortly before the interval as Real earned a second penalty. Gareth Bale's cross struck Yuri's arm, and the Galacticos were awarded a second debatable spot-kick.
However, on this occasion, Ronaldo made no mistake, tucking his strike into the corner with little effort.
Los Blancos once again started the second half in a strange mood, as they failed to complete passes, looking short of energy and ideas.
And the Royals made their illustrious hosts emphatically pay, as Bruma's wicked curling effort levelled the scores.
The highly rated 21-year-old cut in on his right foot and fired the ball wide of Navas into the top corner of the net only four minutes into the half.
The Bernabeu crowd were clearly agitated by the performance of their team, and booing could be heard from the stands as Benitez pontificated from the technical area, per Corrigan:
The manager hauled James off to make a tactical substitution, with the superstar looking unhappy with his removal.
Football writer Sid Lowe highlighted the substitution, as the Madrid fans vented their frustration:
However, the switch worked for Madrid, and they reclaimed the lead after 67 minutes as Ronaldo grabbed his second.
The forward guided his volley from a corner into the inside of the post, giving the home supporters a moment to cheer for.
The visitors continued to push forward for the final period of the match, as Madrid appeared content to tie the game up and accept the points.
It was a risky strategy from Benitez, and La Real continued to put strain on Los Blancos' defence, as Pepe walked a thin line with his tackles and challenges.
Madrid secured the win at the death as substitute Vazquez slotted his effort away. The 24-year-old was expertly found by a tremendous ball from Bale, and the Spaniard held his nerve to score his first goal for the senior team—wrapping up the 3-1 result.
The energy at the Bernabeu was clearly negative on Wednesday afternoon, as the crowd responded adversely to the tactics and performance on offer.
Madrid did enough to beat Sociedad over the 90 minutes, but there was a lack of flair and style from the hosts not associated with their brand of football.
However, the win temporarily lifts the Galacticos to the top of the table, keeping them in touch with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
Post-Match Reaction
Madrid club director Emilio Butragueno gave Benitez a vote of confidence after the victory against Sociedad, and spoke about the importance of gaining three points, per AS (h/t Football Espana):
"The win was vital for us. The opposition at some points made us suffer. We had clear chances in the opening stages and [Geronimo] Rulli was brilliant. He made four great saves.
Had those goals gone in, the game would have been different. They were kept in the match very well.
Who hasn’t missed a penalty? The best play of the game was Gareth Bale’s pass to Lucas Vazquez, and his control. The team can take pride in the second half and we took three very important points.
Last year we reached this point with four trophies and went to win the Club World Cup. This year has been different.
I hope 2016 is good because we do well in even years. We have to keep winning in Valencia.
Confidence in Benitez? Absolutely.
"
Real now face a trip to Valencia in La Liga on Sunday, as Sociedad travel to Rayo Vallecano on the same day.
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