Full Time: Real Sociedad 1-3 Real Madrid
Real Madrid managed to end their run of draws in La Liga, when they defeated Real Sociedad 3-1 at the Anoeta, on Sunday night.
Eighteen minutes into the game, Madrid were up and running, as youngster Borja Mayoral slotted past Geronimo Rulli from close range. Kevin Rodrigues pulled La Real back on level terms ten minutes later, but he went on to score an own goal and hand Madrid the lead in the 36th minute, after a blistering counter led by Mayoral.
Gareth Bale added a third after the break, to register the Galacticos‘ second win in four Liga outings. The win sees Zinedine Zidane’s side move to fourth place in the table, with 8 points – 4 behind leaders and arch rivals Barcelona.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Keylor Navas – 5/10
Should have done better for the first goal, as he let the ball pass under his arms. Was not tested apart from that.
Dani Carvajal – 6.5/10
Great outlet down the right, always making marauding runs down the flank. But caught out of position for the home team’s goal.
Raphael Varane – 8/10
Returned to the setup and Madrid backline looked all the more secure. Made an important clearance at 1-1 and remained largely solid at the back. His distribution from the back was a strong feature as well.
Sergio Ramos – 7/10
Made himself a handful in the box, leading to the opening goal. Left his post to get forward at times, but fairly steady.
Theo Hernandez – 8.5/10
A power-packed performance from the youngster. Up for the fight all game, using his physicality to great effect against the Sociedad wingers, while bursting past players with regularity during attacks. Taken off late due to a shoulder injury.
Luka Modric – 7.5/10
Worked hard when his team were without the ball, to cut out the threat and regain possession, following which he controlled the play nicely.
Casemiro – 7/10
Strong and tenacious in the middle of the park, setting the platform for his attack-minded players to do their job. Booked.
Isco – 7.5/10
A fairly quiet start for the Spaniard, compared to the standards he has set for himself in recent months. Improved after the break and set Bale up for the third goal with a brilliant long ball to send him on his way.
Gareth Bale – 7/10
Showed his burst of pace and class with a lovely dinked finish for the third goal. But little impact other than that.
Borja Mayoral – 9/10
Showed great awareness and composure for the first goal and it was his cutback that Rodrigues diverted into his own net for the second. Should have had a hat-trick in the second period, but hit the side netting from close range.
Marco Asensio – 7.5/10
Always a great threat with his movement and link-up play. Scored in the second half but saw it ruled out for offside. He looks like some talent! Booked.
Substitutes
Lucas Vazquez – 6.5/10
Came on for Mayoral for the final 15 minutes. Latched on to Isco’s ball to almost score number four.
Dani Ceballos – N/A
Came on for Asensio with five minutes left on the clock.
Nacho – N/A
Replaced the injured Theo Hernandez in the stoppage time.