Liga: Arda Güler gives Real Madrid victory against Sociedad

With 14 points ahead of Barça with 5 days remaining, it would take a miracle for Real Madrid not to be champion of Spain for the 36th time in its history. Nine days after having validated their ticket for the semi-finals of the Champions League, and five after their narrow, but oh-so-important victory snatched against Barça in the Clasico (3-2), Carlo Ancelotti’s players offered themselves the scalp of Real Sociedad this Friday (0-1). With always one feeling that prevails: that of an invulnerable, opportunistic team, and always able to find a second wind even when it is on the ropes. All this, with a completely overhauled team.

Traveling to Anoeta has never been easy, and this evening’s duel will not make us think otherwise. Shaken from the start by a Real driven by the desire to consolidate its 6th place at the expense of Betis (6th place qualifies for the Europa League, not 7th), the Merengue could have faltered on several occasions. First on a mischievous strike from the old man of the house, Kubo, not far from deceiving Kepa (15th), or on the attempt of the explosive Barrenetxea, after a balancing act by Oyarzabal in front of Militao (29th) . But in recent weeks, the stars have often aligned on Madrid’s side. This was the case again this evening.

Arda Güler scores on his first La Liga start

Starting for the first time this season in La Liga, Arda Güler was at the crossroads of all eyes. Rather discreet at the start of the match, like his friends Joselu and Brahim Díaz, the Turk ultimately only needed a micro-error from the Basques to make them pay major consequences. On a cross from Carvajal, the former Fenerbahce player lurked at the far post and scored his first goal in Madrid colors (29th, 0-1). We thought Real Sociedad would equalize thanks to a Kubo festival, following a dangerous loss of ball from Tchouameni in front of his area, but José Luis Munuera Montero finally whistled a Basque foul after consulting the VAR (34th).

Returning from the locker room, Kepa, started for the first time since January, disgusted Turrientes (53rd). Anoeta caught fire, then held his breath after a ultimately unsanctioned hand from a Basque defender in his area (60th). Oyarzabal was in turn denied a goal for offside (73rd), before seeing his other attempt flirt with Kepa’s post (80th). If the end of the match was intended to be explosive, the score remained there, to the delight of Carlo Ancelotti, released at the final whistle. Thanks to this success, Real Madrid more than ever consolidates its leadership position and extends its unbeaten streak to 17 matches. Real Sociedad is 6th.