Turkish teenager Arda Guler’s strike helped Real Madrid move closer to the Spanish title with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Friday. 14 points clear at the top of La Liga.
Turkish teenager Arda Guler’s strike helped Real Madrid move closer to the Spanish title with a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad on Friday. 14 points clear at the top of La Liga. After last weekend’s Clasico runner-up win against Barcelona, ​​it seems a formality for Madrid to take back the title from their arch-rivals. And Guler helped them get one step closer. The playmaker, 19, has endured an injury-plagued season. But his first league start was snatched away by a hard-fought Madrid side at the Real Madrid Arena.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested virtually his entire first-choice squad for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final trip to face Bayern Munich.
Vinicius Jr. after top scorer Jude Bellingham recovers from an abdominal injury. With Toni Kroos and other stars on the bench to make late additions to the squad list.
As a result, Madrid had little success in attack beyond the goalkeeper’s goal. The host team, ranked sixth, in San Sebastian rains ahead.
“Arda Guler scored a goal, Arda Guler will be an important player for us in the future. There is no doubt he will be here next year,” Ancelotti told reporters, praising his team’s determination despite the rotation. .
“It was pretty clear that everyone thought we were coming here for a walk. The only people who didn’t were the players,” he continued.
“I’m proud of the players because they had the will and determination to keep winning… I have to thank them. Because from that point of view they were brilliant.”
Madrid goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, pushed away Tekfosa Kobo’s effort. Because La Real continued the investigation.
Ancelotti also gave defender Eder Militao his first start after a long-term knee injury.
The Brazilian players looked uncertain. But Real Sociedad couldn’t take advantage, Benat Torrentes firing over.
Despite previously failing to create their own openings. Madrid took the lead in the 29th minute.
Aurelian Chauminy swiped the ball to Dani Carvajal on the right. Who stroked the ball low across the area.
It was a perfect pass from the Spain international — apparently only playing as he was suspended for the trip to Munich — and Guler was in the right place at the right time.
‘Sleeping’
Cobo thought he had drawn Real Sociedad level against his former team before the break. As he beat Militau and slotted home, Ander Berenetxia was penalized for a foul on the chimney in the build-up.
“Barrin went to steal the ball and all I can say is that the player who lost it was sleeping,” Cobo told Movistar.
Arrizabalaga led the Torrens’ efforts in the second half. And Ancelotti called on the Cavaliers for the final 25 minutes, fielding Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde.
Another substitute, Antonio Rudiger, made a crucial block on an Owersball dunk attempt to deflect the forward’s effort for a corner.
Alex Ramiro made a fine save to deny Eduardo Camavanga late on. Because the reinforced visitors took control in five minutes of extra time to see out the win. HD Live Sports
To help Madrid prepare for the Champions League match at Bayern. The match was brought forward from Saturday to Friday on a week’s notice.
“It’s a pity, anyone who watched the game knew we deserved to win,” Kubo added.
“It’s sad for the fans. The rain, the schedule change… it’s all rubbish.”
Barcelona will face Valencia on Monday in La Liga. But the Catalans have thrown in the towel in the title race.
Madrid’s performance was certainly forgettable. But they are eyeing a league and Champions League double for the fifth time in their history – and it will be something to remember.