Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid: Five Talking Points

3. James blows his chance

When opportunities are as rare as the sight of a Halley’s comet, you cannot afford to miss the ones that come your way. But it seems James Rodriguez is totally oblivious to it.

The Colombian international has regressed massively in his second season with Real Madrid, and in a rare start handed to him today, he disappointed.

Deployed on the left of the midfield phalanx, James struggled to impose himself and lacked the attacking flair to trouble the Sociedad defence. He was even entrusted with the free-kick and corner kick duties in the absence of Toni Kroos, but his efforts lacked any precision. He was ultimately put out of his misery in the 73rd minute when he was subbed off in favour of Isco.

Chances have been hard to come by for the former Monaco starlet this season despite a promising debut campaign last year, and there are wide speculations that the 23-year old might just consider a move away from the Spanish capital this summer.