Few teams in the world want to face Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu. One of the most numbing experiences a professional player can have is performing in front of an ocean of white in the stands, and the pressure frequently leads to a breakdown.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, is one of the few teams with a strong track record at the site. The Basque team has only lost one of their past four games and two of their last six at the Bernabeu.
Carlo Ancelotti’s players will find it difficult to take all three points on Sunday. A victory, though, would be a serious statement of purpose towards serious Madrid’s aim of winning the league championship this season.
Three talking themes before of Real Madrid’s match versus Real Sociedad, according to Madrid Universal.
Keeping the momentum going
After four games in the 2017 La Liga season, Real Madrid is the only side to have won each of their games, if not always convincingly, and sits two points ahead of their closest challengers.
The international break gives players a much-needed respite from the club football grind. However, it is common for a club to enter a purple patch soon after a pause, and Real Madrid must be careful of this.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team must maintain their little advantage in La Liga and attempt to widen the distance with their opponents. Real Sociedad will cause severe issues for the leaders in this regard.
In their previous 11 matches, the Basque side has won four times and drawn three times. As a result, the recent seasons’ record is equally shared.
Furthermore, Imanol Alguacil’s team defeated Real Madrid 2-0 in their most recent match, with captain Dani Carvajal receiving a red card during the proceedings.
All eyes will be on the hosts on Sunday to see whether they can overcome their most recent foe. After all, the odds are stacked in their favor.
One significant return
Dani Ceballos, the Real Madrid midfielder, was said to have returned to training earlier this week. However, there was still some uncertainty about his participation over the weekend.
Carlo Ancelotti announced in his pre-game news conference that the Spaniard was fit to play and had obtained the medical green light. Ferland Mendy, on the other hand, has yet to make a return.
“Ceballos will play against Real Sociedad, but Mendy will not.” He must go on with his strategy. “We have to get him in when he is completely ready, and I believe he will be in the squad on Wednesday,” Ancelotti stated.
With Ceballos back on the squad, Ancelotti now has access to all seven midfielders for the first time this season. After all, the 27-year-old was hurt before the preseason tour even began.
His challenge now will be how to spin the available stars. He must find positions for Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Ceballos, Brahim Diaz, and Federico Valverde now that Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni are practically certain starts.
The recuperation of the Spaniard therefore brings a nice dilemma to the manager’s door.
The X-Factor in the United Kingdom
To be honest, Los Blancos have been far from convincing so far this season. Nonetheless, they have won only because of their tenacity and never-say-die spirit.
The men in white fell down early against Almeria and were forced to fight back on Matchday 2 at the Power Horse Stadium.
One week later, they were tied 0-0 with Celta Vigo until ten minutes from time when Jude Bellingham scored a peach to earn the victory.
In their most recent match, the narrative was not much better versus Getafe. Real Madrid were level 1-1 at the 90-minute mark when Bellingham scored a last-minute victory for his team.
Thus, the team’s victories have obviously been dependent on individual brilliance from their new addition, who has five goals and an assist in four games. However, depending on his magical boots is not a long-term solution.
On Sunday, Los Blancos must put on a complete performance and win convincingly against the Basque side. It will not only serve as a message of excellence to the rest of the world, but it will also increase confidence in the locker room.
