Real Madrid emerged victorious from their extremely vital trip to the Basque Country where they defeated Real Sociedad 1-2 courtesy of goals from Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema. Ramos scored the first goal of this late Sunday evening kick-off after Vincius Jr won himself a penalty early in the second half.
There were a few controversial moments in the game when VAR came to Real Madrid’s rescue after Adnan Januzaj scored from open play for the hosts. Within a minute after thinking that Imanol Alguacil’s side had pulled themselves level, the boss found his team trailing by two goals following some fine chest control displayed by Karim Benzema.
This victory has taken Real Madrid right to the top of the points table following Barcelona’s slip-up against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan a couple of nights ago. Zidane’s side will need to remain focussed for the remainder of the campaign to register their 34th league title victory.
Real Madrid players rated in win over Real Sociedad
Thibaut Courtois – 7/10
The Belgian was mostly untested on the night but ended up conceding a goal after Carvajal lost his man on the far post. Courtois would be certainly upset about not holding onto another clean sheet this season.
Dani Carvajal – 7/10
The right-back put up an energetic display on the right flank. Carvajal put in a few crosses, but they were not fruitful on the night.
Raphael Varane – 8/10
Varane had a splendid evening and led the Real Madrid back-line post the injury to Sergio Ramos. The centre-back kept the Real Sociedad attackers at bay throughout the night.
Sergio Ramos – 8/10
The captain had a rock-solid evening in defence alongside his partner, Varane. Ramos also scored the opening goal of the evening before being subbed off after a clash of knees with Isak. Ramos was replaced by Eder Militao around the 55-minute mark.
Marcelo – 7/10
Marcelo was selected in the line-up ahead of Mendy who put up a superb display against Valencia. However, the Brazilian did not disappoint and did justice to his selection with a brilliant game at the left-back position.
Federico Valverde – 7/10
Valverde made a few runs and was largely effective on the night. The young midfielder was calm and composed in midfield as he deputised for Luka Modric in the starting eleven.
Casemiro – 8/10
Casemiro was right on top of his game from the word ‘go’. The Brazilian absolutely dominated the midfield battle against La Real’s players. He picked up a yellow card in the early minutes of the match and will miss the next game for Los Blancos.
Toni Kroos – 7/10
Kroos was pivotal for Zidane like always and controlled the pace of the game even without the presence of his partner in crime, Luka Modric.
James Rodriguez – 6/10
James had an extremely average evening away from home against Real Sociedad. The midfielder failed to express himself freely and was forced to make way for Marco Asensio in the second half. A lot more was expected from James, who made his way into the line-up after a long time.
Karim Benzema – 8/10
Karim Benzema scored his 16th goal of the season with a special strike following brilliant chest control inside the penalty area. The Frenchman has taken command of the front-line for Los Blancos towards the business end of the season.
Vinicius Jr – 8/10
Vinicius’ performance on the night was electrifying and ecstatic. The youngster was the heart and soul of this Madrid victory and even won a penalty for his side. He was extremely unlucky to not be on the scoresheet.
Substitutes
Eder Militao – 7/10
Replaced Ramos in defence and put in a decent performance.
Mariano Diaz – 6/10
The striker could not link up much post his arrival.
Marco Asensio – 7/10
Asensio made a few quick turns that drew challenges from Real Sociedad players but did not have much role in the game apart from that.
Luka Modric – 6/10
Modric did not have much involvement in the game due to his introduction in the dying minutes.
Ferland Mendy – 6/10
Mendy did not have much involvement in the game due to his introduction in the dying minutes.
