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Real Madrid secured a fortunate 2-0 win against Real Sociedad in LaLiga at the Reale Arena on Saturday, September 14. The result sees Los Blancos move up to second place and within a point of leaders Barcelona, while Sociedad are struggling in 16th place.
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Real Madrid made a slightly slow start to the game with manager Carlo Ancelotti opting for a midfield dominant formation. This allowed hosts Real Sociedad some space to attack and try and carve out an opening to score. They came agonizingly close on two occassions as they struck the woodwork twice.
The first was via a thunderous strike from Luka Sukic that hit the left upright just before the half-hour mark. Shortly after, in the 36th minute, Sheraldo Becker's attempt bounced off the crossbar and out as Real Madrid were spared their blushes.
The visitors, on the other hand, attempted 10 shots but managed just two of those on target. Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior were active in attack for Real Madrid but were unable to apply the finishing touches. With a total of 18 shots between the two sides but just three on target, neither team was able to break the deadlock in the first half as they entered the break tied at 0-0.
Real Madrid began the second half on a positive note but again had their hearts in their mouths in the 57th minute. Sukic made his way into the box and fired another low shot goalwards which hit the bottom of the left upright and bounced out. Los Blancos were unable to do much damage until Real Sociedad handed them an opportunity on a platter.
Arda Guler's attempt struck La Real midfielder Sergio Gomez on the arm and the referee awarded a penalty almost instantly. Vinicius Junior stepped up and made no mistake as he scored to make it 1-0 after 58 minutes. Nayef Aguerd had two decent headed opportunities shortly after but was unable to convert. Things went from bad to worse for Real Sociedad in the 73rd minute.
Jon Aramburu barged into Vinicius after he had already released the ball and a penalty was awarded after a VAR check. This time, Mbappe stepped up and converted to give Real Madrid some breathing room. The visitors held on to secure a crucial win to climb up the LaLiga table, and on that note, let's take a look at their player ratings.
Real Madrid Player Ratings
Thibaut Courtois - 7/10
The Belgian had a decent game in between the sticks as he made two saves.
Daniel Carvajal - 7.5/10
Carvajal was solid on the right flank and won five of his six duels, making two clearances, two blocks and one interception. He also played two key passes.
Eder Militao - 7.5/10
Militao put in a good defensive performance as well, winning five duels and making three clearances, two blocks and one interception.
Antonio Rudiger - 7/10
Rudiger won two of his three duels and made three clearances, one interception and one block.
Ferland Mendy - 7/10
Mendy won all five of his ground duels but failed to win the only aerial duel he contested. He also made five tackles.
Federico Valverde - 7/10
Valverde passed the ball with 94% accuracy, including six long balls to open up the play for Real Madrid. He also won three duels and made one interception.
Luka Modric - 7/10
Real Madrid's skipper for this game, Modric had a good outing as he made three key passes, three crosses and also won two duels.
Brahim Diaz - 6.5/10
Diaz unfortunately suffered an injury and was subbed off early in the first half itself.
Arda Guler - 7/10
Guler passed the ball with 97% accuracy, including one key pass. He also won three duels and attempted two shots that were blocked.
Vinicius Junior - 8/10
Vinicius passed the ball with 83% accuracy and also played three long balls. He also won six duels and attempted five shots with four of those being blocked.
Kylian Mbappe - 7/10
Mbappe's partnership with Vini Jr. seems to be picking up and going according to plan so far. The Frenchman attempted three shots, with two of those on target, and also won three duels.
Substitutes
Rodrygo - 7/10
Rodrygo passed the ball with 89% accuracy, including two key passes. He also won two duels.
Lucas Vazquez - 7/10
Vazquez passed the ball with 88% accuracy, including one long ball, and also won one duel.
Endrick - N/A
He came on in the dying embers and did not play enough to warrant a rating.
