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Real Madrid secured a 1-0 win over Real Sociedad at the San Sebastian in LaLiga on Friday, April 26.
Real Madrid made a good start to the game and looked to attack at every opportunity, but were also cautious not to commit too many men forward. Real Sociedad maintained a rigid shape as they too ventured forward in search of the first goal.
Being more decisive in the final third benefited Los Blancos as they struck first to grab the lead after 29 minutes. Daniel Carvajal did well to play the ball into the box towards Arda Guler, who finished with aplomb to make it 1-0. Real Sociedad did not lose spirit and seemed to have hit back just four minutes later via Takefusa Kubo's lovely strike.
However, play was pulled back for a foul on Aurelien Tchouameni in the build-up and the goal was canceled following a VAR check. Both sides hit the target twice in a tight first half as Real Madrid led 1-0 at the break.
Both teams made an energetic start to the second half as well but their energy was limited to the defensive and middle thirds. Real Madrid kept the ball for longer than they did in the first period but were ineffective in playing directly and quickly enough to cause a real threat. Real Sociedad, on the other hand, found it hard to break down the visitors' defence.
Los Blancos attempted three shots in the second period, while Sociedad attempted five, but both teams managed just one shot on target apiece. Carlo Ancelotti and Imanol Alguacil made changes periodically but none of the substitutes was able to make a big enough impact to alter the result.
Real Madrid secured a narrow but deserved 1-0 win against Real Sociedad, and on that note, let's take a look at the five hits and flops from the game.
#5. Hit - Kepa Arrizabalaga (Real Madrid)
Kepa last featured in Real Madrid's 3-2 win over Almeria towards the end of January and has been second choice behind Andriy Lunin for most of this campaign. However, he stepped in between the sticks with confidence against Real Sociedad and kept a well-deserved clean sheet as well.
Kepa made three saves throughout the game, of which two were from shots taken from inside the penalty area. He also passed the ball with 76% accuracy. The Spaniard showed great command of his box and did not allow the hosts much space as he made two high claims and punched one ball clear.
#4. Flop - Joselu (Real Madrid)
Joselu last started in Real Madrid's 1-0 win over Mallorca and was given another chance to lead the line tonight. However, the Spaniard was ineffective in the final third and could not get into decent goalscoring positions. As a result, he ended the game having played the entire 90 minutes without attempting a single shot. Such a performance is subpar for a striker on any team, especially Real Madrid.
Despite being unable to do much with the ball, the Spaniard showed a good work-rate off the ball. He won eight duels and also earned one free kick throughout the game. As a striker, he should have taken more initiative to try and score goals because starts come few and far between.
#3. Hit - Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad)
Barrenetxea was a bright spark for Real Sociedad on the left flank as he showed great energy and determination to make things happen for his team. He passed the ball with 76% accuracy, including two key passes to play his teammates into dangerous spaces to attack.
The Spaniard also showed some silky footwork as he beat defenders thrice with dribbles and also won eight of his 10 duels and made three tackles in a solid midfield performance. Barrenetxea also attempted one shot on target but was unable to trouble the goalkeeper.
#2. Flop - Igor Zubeldia (Real Sociedad)
The hosts' center back had a mixed game at the back and failed to make any positive contributions for Real Sociedad whatosover. He won just four of his 10 duels and also showed a heated side of his game.
Zubeldia picked up a yellow card in the second half for a foul but also got away with another. Overall, he had a subpar game by his standards but also ended up making two interceptions and one block.
#1. Hit - Arda Guler (Real Madrid)
The 19-year-old had an amazing game both on and off the ball. He scored a lovely goal to make it 1-0 after 29 minutes on the clock. Guler played for just under 70 minutes and had a great outing. He was often encouraged to try new things and to attempt long-range shots by his senior teammates.
However, apart from his goal, both of Guler's attempts were blocked by opponents. He also lost possession of the ball six times. Guler also made two tackles and completed two of his three dribbles past opponents.
