Squad rotation has clearly not been the focus of Carlo Ancelotti in recent months as he has been looking to secure as many results as possible, but there were rumors that things would be different today. The threat from Real Sociedad is always real, but with the most important game of the season against PSG coming up this week, you’d think a break for some players could be useful. As it turns out, not as much has changed as originally thought. Eduardo Camavinga did move into midfield, but both Toni Kroos and Fede Valverde were already considered unavailable, so a place was always available. David Alaba returned from injury to defense and Rodrigo Goes was chosen to replace Marco Asensio. Karim Benzema once again put on the captain’s armband to take the team out of the game.
It was a really good opportunity for some players to get back in the fight, but the half started on a bad note when Dani Carvajal knocked down David Silva in the penalty area, for which the guests earned a penalty. Mikel Oyarzabal made no mistake, finding the bottom corner and getting ahead of Real Madrid. Vinicius Junior and Rodrigo Goes created problems on the flanks with their speed, but it was beginning to look like the evening in front of goal would be a typically disappointing one. That was until, out of nowhere, Eduardo Camavinga landed a well-placed shot from long range that left Alex Remiro no chance to equalize. This sent the stadium and the game into a frenzy as Karim Benzema appeared to give the hosts the lead just seconds after the restart. A dubious offside signal called the game, but not for long, as shortly before half-time, Luka Modric imagined he would score a world-class goal by moving to his weaker foot before kicking again into the top corner past a helpless Remiro. It was almost embarrassing to hear the pause whistle as the electrified atmosphere had to take a 15 minute break…
THIS IS HOW THE HALF ENDS
— Madrid management (@managingmadrid) March 5, 2022
Unfortunately, in the second half it was not possible to convey the momentum of the final stage of the first. The place dropped significantly and the player base changed as Sociedad made four substitutions to try his luck. Benzema brought some excitement back into the game when he volleyed, but his goal was once again ruled out – this time correctly by Rodrigo’s offside in the build-up. Once again, it took VAR to decide if Vinicius Junior was fouled inside or outside the box. It was believed that he was on the line, which meant that now Benzema had a chance to win back a goal from the spot. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make the score 3-1 in favor of the “creamy”. Play was then stopped as Madrid found a fourth and substitute Marco Asensio continued his recent scoring run after Dani Carvajal passed the ball on the plate. Real Sociedad had to end the game with ten players as a player was injured after all his scheduled substitutions had been made. With minutes left it didn’t matter much as Real Madrid finished 4-1 winner. It was a much needed result and performance that we hope will give the confidence needed for an equal midweek shift in Europe. Follow the news on social networks to be aware of everything that awaits you after the match! What do you think of the result?