Verdict: Real Madrid & Both Teams to Score
Best Odds: 31/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
Sunday brings a regal clash at Santiago Bernabeu as Real Madrid take on Real Sociedad in an effort to get back to winning ways following a midweek setback at Villarreal.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid were given a rude awakening following their FIFA Club World Cup dream at Villarreal. Los Blancos did well to overturn a Santi Cazorla 4th-minute opener through goals from Karim Benzema and Raphael Varane early in the first half. They ultimately failed to hold on to their lead with Cazorla slotting home once again to earn his team a vital point against the reigning European and World champions.
A point against Villarreal leaves Real Madrid in fourth place in the standings, two points behind Sevilla and as many points ahead of Alaves in fifth. Los Blancos’ struggles have been well documented this season but despite the obvious improvement under Santiago Solari, Real Madrid lack consistency. Los Blancos are putting in patchy performances with problems sticking out at both ends of the pitch. With uncharacteristic defensive indiscipline at the back and lack of lethal firepower upfield, Real Madrid seem to be throwing away the La Liga title challenge all over again. Defending the European crown remains the club’s priority but their domestic challenges are not to be neglected. Heading into the Real Sociedad clash, Santiago Solari’s men are in for another game with a struggling side and will need to send a clear message at Santiago Bernabeu.
Team News
Marco Asensio will miss the Real Sociedad game through a thigh injury, while Marcos Llorente is out with a groin problem.
Nacho is suffering from a knee issue whereas Mariano Diaz continues to miss out due to a back injury.
Real Sociedad
The year 2018 brought nothing other than 12 months of disappointment for Real Sociedad. With several important figures leaving the club, including the likes of Carlos Vela and Inigo Martinez who moved on and Xabi Prieto and Imanol Agirretxe who departed emotionally, La Real head into 2019 with a new coach as well.
The club parted ways with Asier Garitano shortly after Christmas, appointing Imanol Alguacil as his replacement. The local man, who’s been on the coaching staff since 2011, is tasked with getting the club back on track following a series of poor results which leave Real Sociedad languishing in 15th place in the standings. With 19 points from 17 rounds and four defeats on the bounce, Real Madrid are dangerously close to slipping into the relegation zone. Their away form offers little encouragement as Real Sociedad won only one of their last five matches on the road. Having lost all of their last nine trips to Santiago Bernabeu, Real Sociedad will have little to hope for against Los Blancos.
Team News
Martin Merquelanz Castellanos and Raul Navas are both long-term absentees unavailable due to knee problems.
Conchoa, Espinoza, Rodrigues and Sangalli are all under question for the Sunday’s game, however.
Key Factors to Consider
- Real Madrid won all of their last 9 home matches against Real Sociedad
- Seven of last eight meetings between two Reals ended in Over 3.5 goals
- Madrid only managed to keep 2 clean sheets in last 12 games vs Sociedad
- Real Madrid sit in fourth place in La Liga, 7 points adrift of leaders Barcelona
- Real Sociedad lost all of their last four La Liga matches
Conclusion
Goals and a home win are the two things dominating the matches between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu. Los Blancos hold a perfect record over the past nine encounters while the games between these two rivals also produced plenty of goals – and on both ends as well.
Verdict: Real Madrid & Both Teams to Score
Best Odds: 31/20
Bookmaker: 888sport
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