Real Madrid Dominates Real Sociedad 4-1: Key Questions Answered

Real Madrid achieved a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, marking their eighth consecutive win in La Liga. The match, held on a Saturday night, saw Vinícius Júnior score two penalties, while Fede Valverde and Gonzalo García contributed with goals. For Real Sociedad, Mikel Oyarzabal found the net from the penalty spot.

Key Questions Answered from the Match

1. Why Was Kylian Mbappé Absent?

Although Kylian Mbappé trained before the match, coach Álvaro Arbeloa opted to rest him due to a recent knee injury. This decision was strategic, especially with an upcoming Champions League match against Benfica. Mbappé has now missed five games this season, with the team winning three of those, including this match, thanks to strong performances from Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García.

2. Who Started at Right-Back?

With both Dani Carvajal and Trent Alexander-Arnold available, Arbeloa’s choice of David Jiménez for the right-back position came as a surprise. The young defender completed his fourth first-team appearance. Trent Alexander-Arnold played well, assisting Gonzalo García’s goal before being replaced by Carvajal.

3. How Did Real Sociedad Perform?

Real Sociedad entered the match with momentum after a Copa del Rey victory. Led by coach Pellegrini Matarazzo, the team boasted an impressive record of seven wins and two draws in their last nine games. Despite creating scoring opportunities and achieving a 1.67 expected goals (xG), they struggled to match Real Madrid’s performance, who displayed confidence from their winning streak.

Real Madrid’s Penalty Count and Defensive Stats

Penalties This Season

With two spot kicks awarded in this match, Real Madrid’s season total reached 13 penalties, four more than any other team in the top five European leagues. Vinícius Júnior converted his second and third penalties of the season, displaying significant composure under pressure.

Defensive Record

Real Madrid’s struggle with defensive consistency continues, as it has been 20 matches since they recorded consecutive clean sheets. Their last clean sheet came in October. One penalty concession during this match allowed Real Sociedad to score, contributing to Madrid’s tally of 19 goals conceded this season.

Gonzalo García’s Impact Without Mbappé

Gonzalo García has thrived leading the attack, with ten goals in eight matches when Mbappé did not start. His ability to perform well in independence raises questions about his partnership with the star forward. While he appears content in a supporting role, his long-term success may depend on adapting his style to accommodate playing alongside Mbappé.

In summary, Real Madrid’s victory reinforced their dominance in La Liga and set the stage for their next challenge against Benfica. With a solid lineup and key players stepping up, the team showcased their potential despite injury challenges.