17.09.2017 » Real Sociedad 1-3 Real Madrid. Difficult win at the Anoeta!

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Real Madrid passed a tough test in Anoeta this Sunday night, in what was their last game without Cristiano Ronaldo. Mayoral and Gareth Bale scored the visitors' goals in this game and made sure the Merengues would stay 4 points away from Barcelona on the top of La Liga standings.

After seeing Barcelona beating Getafe last night and increasing the point gap to 7 points, Zinedine Zidane knew that it was absolutely crucial to wrap up the 3 points this Sunday night against Real Sociedad. The locals, who had won their previous 3 games in the league, failed to upset the European champions and were defeated 1-3 in San Sebastián. Borja Mayoral, who was brought up to replace an injured Karim Benzema, scored the opener and forced the own goal for the Merengues' second in the first half. Gareth Bale finished off a valiant Real Sociedad, setting the final score in 3-1 after an impressive counter attack where he outran his opponent before beating Rulli.

Real Sociedad 1-3 Real Madrid - Goals and highlights:

It's hard to call an early season game a league decider, but it certainly felt like it was, given Madrid's recent league form and Barcelona's brilliant start to the season. An away trip to the Anoeta with Ronaldo, Kovacic, Kroos, Marcelo, and Benzema all out. Zidane, always one to give opportunities to youngster, surprisingly started Borja Mayoral up front and it paid off as the youngster, who could barely get a minute last year on loan at Wolfsburg, scored the opening goal after some good work in the box from Sergio Ramos. Mayoral entered the box late and finished off the chance well and it was a major confidence booster for the young striker.

But the lead would be relatively short-lived, soon after an error by both Dani Carvajal (positioning) and Keylor Navas lead to Kevin Rodrigues goal for Real Sociedad. Though the shot was from close range, you would expect Navas to do better there. At 1-1, the match was sitting on an edge. Things didn't look great for Madrid, but then Mayoral would again come through with a fantastic play. This time he wouldn't score himself but his presence would make the difference. Pouncing on a ball from midfield, the forward collided with fellow Castilla product Diego Llorente in mid-air. Both players stumbled, but Llorente too the brunt of the force as Mayoral picked up the ball and sprinted towards goal. He was eventually held up by the defense, but he dribbled past his defender and released a low cross that deflected in off of Rodrigues and into the back of Rulli's net. 2-1 Madrid.

Real Madrid went into the half confident after the first half performance, but the best moment of the match would occur in the second half and it was vintage Gareth Bale. Pouncing like a gazelle on a long Isco pass, Bale brilliantly outpaced Rodrigues (who was at the heart of everything today on both sides it seemed) and finished brilliantly to put the game to rest. It was classic Bale, his speed on full display there, as Madrid put the game beyond doubt.

Real Madrid would have a few chances to score a 4th, but the linesman and some poor finishing would stop them. But most importantly, Madrid were able to win in La Liga for the first time in three games. A great performance on the road.

The Merengues will now play Real Betis on Wednesday and guess who's back? Cristiano Ronaldo!

Author: Terrance Ross

Real Madrid line-up vs Real Sociedad:

Goalkeeper: Navas
Defenders: Theo, Sergio Ramos, Varane, Carvajal
Midfielders: Casemiro, Modric, Isco
Attackers: Bale, Asensio, Mayoral.

Cristiano Ronaldo next game is for Real Madrid on September 20 of 2017 against Betis. You can watch Juventus live stream, Real Madrid vs Betis, Barcelona vs Eibar, Leicester City vs Liverpool, Arsenal vs Doncaster Rovers, and Schalke 04 vs Bayern Munich, all matches provided from our soccer live game pages.

Real Madrid next game:
Real Madrid vs Betis kick-off time (20-09-2017):

Beijing (China) | UTC/GMT+8: 04:00
Jakarta (Indonesia) | UTC/GMT+7: 03:00
India (New Delhi) | UTC/GMT+5.30: 01:30
Spain (Madrid) | UTC/GMT+2: 22:00
Portugal and England (Lisbon/London) | UTC/GMT+1: 21:00
Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | UTC/GMT-3: 17:00
New York (United States) | UTC/GMT-4: 16:00
Los Angeles (United States) | UTC/GMT-7: 13:00

Sources: ronaldo7.net / realmadrid.com / bbc.com / espnfc.com

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