In the previous match, Real Madrid beat Barcelona 3–2 in the El Clasico to keep one hand on the league title. Carlo Ancelotti’s side edged closer to the title after beating Real Sociedad last night.
Most of Real Madrid’s stars were rested from the La Liga clash with Real Sociedad on Friday night, but the result was still a positive one as Arda Guler continued his promising breakout by scoring the only goal of the game.
Match highlights
Real’s win by 1-0 at Sociedad means they now have a 14-point gap over second-placed Barca. Real’s points in 33 matches are 84 and Barca’s points are 70 after playing one match less. Barca’s staunch supporters are not dreaming of losing this gap of points with Real in the remaining six matches.
Last night 19-year-old Arda Guler scored the goal for Real. Guler, who has been struggling with injuries throughout the season, got a chance in Real’s XI for the first time with this match. This Turkish midfielder also took advantage of the opportunity by scoring in the 29th minute. Guler put the ball into the net with a great finish from Dani Carvajal’s pass.
Sociedad seemed to have an equaliser shortly afterwards when Take Kubo slid home but it was ruled out due to a foul on Aurelien Tchouameni by Ander Barrenetxea.
Real coach Ancelotti made several changes to the team’s starting eleven yesterday ahead of the match against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night in the Champions League. The Italian coach has rested stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Rudiger. However, Real did not have a problem to win. Guler’s lone goal decided the fate of the match.
At the end of the match, Real coach Ancelotti praised Guler, the hero of the victory, and said, “Arda (Guler) scored a goal, he is going to be an important player for us in the future. There is no doubt that he will be here next year.”
Player of the Match
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid) – It is no surprise with the talented players Real Madrid has at their disposal that an orthodox right back would not grab a great deal of attention. Attentive Los Blancos fans have suggested after Jude Bellingham he may be their most consistent performer of the campaign and he did not put a foot wrong including a fine first-time assist.
The league title Is within reach. Seeing the major changes in the eleven in such a situation, many might have assumed that Real took this match lightly. Reminded that that idea was wrong, Ancelotti said, “It’s pretty sure a lot of people thought we were here for a visit, but the players didn’t think so. I am proud of the players because they always have the desire to win.”
