Real got the best present from the Three Wise Men. The txuri urdin team beat Real Madrid 0-2 with an early goal by Willian José and a late goal by Pardo. Real showed some great defensive work and personality, specially in the second half. They have also benefited from a healthy dose of good fortune and had been victorious in one of LaLiga’s most hostile grounds. This is the best way to start the New Year and a great start for the new coach Imanol Alguacil.
Winning at the Bernabéu is not easy but Real was penalty awarded in the 3rd minute after a great play from Merino, who was brought down by Casemiro. Willian José put the team on his back after beating Courtois. 0-1. Real was ahead but the team had still had a long way to go. The txuri-urdin team were well positioned and deservedly ahead at the break. The hosts had chances to score the equaliser. However, the realistas performed well and so did Rulli.
In the first half, Real took the lead but did not provide firepower in the attack. The second half was different, though. Blows were exchanged in the first minutes, fast attacks were seen and goalscoring opportunities were created. Oyarzabal and Januzaj were close to add a second while Vinicius and Benzema could have scored the equaliser. In the 60th minute, Lucas was sent off and the whites lost steam. In the 83rd minute, Rubén Pardo was put through on goal by Willian José and scored a headed goal which was the icing on the cake.
This win is an encouragement for us to make progress in the table. It is a moral-boosting victory. This is a great start in the New Year. We hope to continue along these lines. On Thursday, Real will face Real Betis in Copa del Rey. Aúpa Real!
Line-ups:
Real Madrid: Courtois, Carvajal, Varane, Sergio Ramos (cap), Marcelo (Reguilón, min.77), Casemiro (Isco, min.57), Modric, Kroos (Ceballo, min.80), Lucas Vázquez, Vinicius, Benzema.
Real Sociedad: Rulli, Aritz (Zaldua, min.69), Llorente R., H. Moreno, Muñoz, Illarra (cap), Zurutuza, Merino (R. Pardo, min.73), Oyarzabal, Januzaj and Willian J.
Goals: 0-1: Willian J. (pen), min.3. 0-2: R. Pardo, min.83.
Referee: Munuera Montero. Cautioned Marcelo, Modric and Isco for Real Madrid and Willian J. for Real Sociedad. Lucas Vázquez was booked twice and has been sent off (min.60).
