What: Spanish La Liga
Who: Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid
When: Saturday 5th April, 2014, at 19:00 UK Time
Where: Anoeta Stadium, San Sebastian, Spain
Against The Numbers
Real Sociedad will have history against them when they welcome league aspirers Real Madrid to the Anoeta in what will surely be a very fiery affair. At home, La Real have one of the best records in La Liga this season, but they will be facing a very motivated Real Madrid, who will be eager to get back in the domestic title fray, after a high-profile 3-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in midweek continental action. A win for the home side however is crucial should they want to aim for Champions League participation next season.
The home side have won nine of their last eleven league games in front of their own fans, but facing Real Madrid, Esteban Granero promised a very fierce encounter when the two teams take the field on Saturday.
“We have a lot to play for, for Madrid it is almost a final; it will be a game of high tension. We do not care too much what they play for. To stay in the fight for the European places, that is why we need to win, we have learned from our mistakes and we know we need to give more against the big teams", declared the former Real Madrid player.
Vanquished Demons
Real Madrid’s comfortable win over Borussia Dortmund hands the Spanish side a big edge going into the second leg of their Champions League tie next week. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s team know that they need to imperatively win this one in order to have any hopes of winning the domestic league this term. Beating Real Sociedad at San Sebastian will be one of their hardest remaining tasks.
Real Madrid might miss some of their most important names for this tricky trip north, as Angel di Maria was ruled out at the last minute against Borussia Dortmund due to gastroenteritis, while Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted as a precaution as he endured a knock against the German side. That said, Sergio Ramos feels that his side cannot afford to drop any more points, hinting that it will be the end of their league dreams if they do. “I do not want to get into it, but I would say that we cannot afford to drop any more points at all”, declared the acting captain.
Against Real Sociedad, Real Madrid boast a very favourable record in recent times, as Los Blancos have won nine of the past ten matches that were disputed between the two teams, and drawn one in the corresponding fixture last term.
Recent form
Real Sociedad:
Almeria 4-3 Real Sociedad (24/03; La Liga)
Real Sociedad 1-0 Real Valladolid (27/03; La Liga)
Osasuna 1-1 Real Sociedad (30/03; La Liga)
Real Madrid:
Sevilla 2-1 Real Madrid (26/03; La Liga)
Real Madrid 5-0 Rayo Vallecano (29/03; La Liga)
Real Madrid 3-0 Borussia Dortmund (02/04; Champions League)
Key absences
Real Sociedad: Esteban Granero; Xabi Prieto; Alberto De La Bella
Real Madrid: Jese; Sami Khedira; Alvaro Arbeloa; Marcelo; Angel di Maria (doubt); Cristiano Ronaldo
Players to watch
Real Sociedad – Antoine Griezmann: The Frenchman is amongst La Real’s best players, one who is fully capable of having a decisive impact in the game. With Marcelo missing this one through injury, Griezmann will relish his task against deputy left-back Fabio Coentrao.
Real Madrid – Diego Lopez: The former Villarreal keeper was under a lot of criticism for his performances against Barcelona and Sevilla, prompting several of his team-mates to come out in his defence. Lopez will have the chance to redeem himself in this very difficult tie.
Match Prediction
As Ramos said, this is a do-or-die match for Real Madrid. The home side are definitely missing Xabi Prieto in midfield – one of their best players against Los Blancos in recent games. But Real Madrid are missing Ronaldo, evening things up. With their league hopes hanging on the line, expect the visitors to come up with an important win. Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid.
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