Real Sociedad vs. Real Madrid: Winners and Losers from La Liga
Real Sociedad and Real Madrid fought out a fantastically entertaining match at Anoeta on Saturday, but it took until the last 10 minutes or so for the deadlock to be broken, and it was the Madrid side who struck first and took a 1-0 win.
Both sides enjoyed spells on top in the first half, but clear chances were restricted to set pieces and shots from range, with neither goalkeeper unduly troubled by half-time.
Gareth Bale was an aerial threat for his team and ended up being the match-winner for the second weekend running when he headed in at the near post from a Lucas Vazquez cross late on.
Here are all our biggest winners and losers from the match.
Winner: David Zurutuza
1 of 5
A tremendous performer again, David Zurutuza has arguably been La Real's player of the season...when he has been fit.
Another tireless performance saw him dominate midfield for a good hour or so until Real Madrid began to exert more pressure in attack, with Zurutuza equally capable of carrying the ball long distances past opponents, spreading play wide or helping win back possession.
He was the forward-moving hub of the home side's best spells in the game and offers the team so much in both halves.
Loser: James Rodriguez
2 of 5
Real manager Zinedine Zidane handed James Rodriguez another opportunity, starting the 24-year-old in midfield with Toni Kroos left out, but on this occasion, the Colombian failed to impress.
He had some nice touches in the first half, played a few good passes into the box and looked to overlap on the left channel at times, but there was no real consistency to his influence on the match, and he waned as a route forward for Madrid by the time the second half started.
It was no great surprise to see him subbed off with the scores still level, and his exit from the Santiago Bernabeu feels ever more likely.
Winner: Geronimo Rulli
3 of 5
He really does save his best performances for the big games!
Geronimo Rulli would have taken headlines once again, as he did against Barcelona, had it not been for the late goal from Bale.
The Argentinian goalkeeper wasn't quite as busy in this game, nor did he have to make as many spectacular, reaction saves, but one fine block with his foot from Gareth Bale and another from Nacho's good chance in the first half were every bit as important.
He also did very well making punches and claiming high balls into his area to relieve the pressure on the defence.
Loser: Bruma
4 of 5
When Real Sociedad made signings like Bruma, Jonathas and Asier Illarramendi for this season, it looked as though their midfield and attacking lines would be extremely exciting to watch.
It simply hasn't happened for Bruma, though, who is on loan from Galatasaray. The 21-year-old winger has barely found a consistent run of form or got the best out of his obvious talents: pace, dribbling and improvisation in one-on-ones.
Against Real Madrid, he was a hard-working, but withdrawn and uninspired, flank option, only really playing due to absences of Carlos Vela, Jonathas and others. He was subbed, had very little impact and can't really be thought of as an option for next season for La Real.
Winner: Gareth Bale
5 of 5
An afternoon largely made of frustration for Gareth Bale changed completely late on as he once again came up with the goal to win the match and keep his team in the title race.
Bale had already headed off target three or four times from set pieces and crosses before he ran onto Lucas' fine ball in from the right to power his side in front.
Real Madrid created very, very little from open play, and it looked as though they would be kept at bay throughout, only for the express train of Bale's surging runs to the near post to eventually pay dividends at a crucial time.
