Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad: Luka Modric Dazzles In Huge Win For Los Merengues

Luka Modric has been heavily criticized this season. But the 2018 Ballon D’Or Winner appeared for Real Madrid when Los Merengues needed him the most.

The Croatia international chipped in with two assists and one goal during Real Madrid’s impressive 3-1 home win over Real Sociedad this Saturday. Karim Benzema and Federico Valverde scored the other two goals for Los Merengues, while Willian Jose netted for the visitors.

The result keeps Real Madrid at the top of LaLiga standings for one more week but tied with FC Barcelona. Los Blaugranas had won against Leganes earlier this matchday.

It wasn’t an easy game for Los Merengues, though. In fact, Real Sociedad – who would have jumped to second place with a win – quickly broke the deadlock. A terrible back pass from Sergio Ramos allowed Willian Jose to go clean through on the goal, and the Brazilian left Thibaut Courtois down before slotting the ball into the empty net. Out of nowhere, the Donostiarra side jumped ahead on the score. The silence was palpable at Bernabeu just a few minutes into the match.

However, Modric would save the day for Madrid. And he would do it the way he knows best – creating chances for his teammates.

A perfect set-piece delivery from Modric found Benzema, and the Frenchman used his chest to find the back of the net. The former Lyon star has been on fire in recent weeks, as this was his fourth goal in his last four Liga matches. The two sides left the pitch levelled 1-1 at the break, but it was clear the hosts were on top through most of the contest.

Modric would set up Madrid’s second goal just two minutes into the second half. This time, his pass found Valverde who slotted the ball out of the goalkeeper’s reach. The shot did deflect in a Real Sociedad player, but the goal counted either way.

The Croatian playmaker would seal the deal with his own goal in the 74th minute. A cross from the right found Benzema near the far post, and the Frenchman set up Modric for this goal with a perfect strike from close range. It was Modric’s second goal of the campaign. It proved to be vital for Madrid in what turned out to be an easier-than-expected match.

One where Modric showed fans just how valuable and game-changing he can be when he’s on.

Match Report

Real Madrid: Thibaut Courtois (6); Dani Carvajal (6), Raphael Varane (5), Sergio Ramos (4), Ferland Mendy (5); Luka Modric (9) (Isco (-), 83′), Casemiro (6), Federico Valverde (7) (Toni Kroos (-), 76′); Rodrygo (5) (Gareth Bale (6), 67′), Karim Benzema (8), Eden Hazard (7)

Bench: Alphonse Areola (GK), Eder Militao, Marcelo, Luka Jovic

Real Sociedad: Alex Ramiro (7); Joseba Zaldúa (5), Aritz Elustondo (6), Diego Llorente (5), Nacho Monreal (5); Igor Zubeldia (5), Mikel Merino (6); Portu (5) (Adnan Januzaj (-), 73′), Martin Odegaard (7), Mikel Oyarzabal (5) (Alexander Isak (-), 80′); Willian Jose (6)

Bench: Miguel Angel Muñoz (GK), Aihen Munoz, Robin Le Normand, David Zurutuza, Ander Guevara

Referee: Jesus Gil Manzano

Goals: Willian Jose (0-1, 2′), Benzema (1-1, 37′), Valverde (2-1, 47′), Modric (3-1, 74′)

Yellow Cards: Sergio Ramos (MAD), Zaldúa (SOC)

Red Cards: None

Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid

Attendance: 69,305