Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of La Liga to a substantial 14 points following a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Real Sociedad in San Sebastian. Despite being largely outplayed by their opponents, who were on a five-match unbeaten streak (with three wins and two draws), Madrid managed to secure the crucial win.
The match saw Carlo Ancelotti make significant changes to the lineup ahead of the upcoming UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich. The alterations provided the hosts, Real Sociedad, with hope early on as they pressured Madrid's goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Takefusa Kubo came close to scoring with a near-post chance just 15 minutes into the game. Real Madrid escaped a scare when a penalty claim by Mikel Oyarzabal was dismissed by the referee after a challenge from Fran García.
Despite facing tough opposition for the first 30 minutes, Real Madrid broke the deadlock with their first shot of the game. Nacho Fernández delivered a precise cross to Arda Güler, who calmly slotted the ball past Álex Remiro for his second goal of the season. Real Sociedad had an equalizer disallowed by VAR shortly after, as Kubo's goal was chalked off due to a foul by Ander Barrenetxea on Aurélien Tchouaméni in the build-up.
Real Sociedad pushed for an equalizer after halftime, with Beñat Turrientes coming close with a long-range effort that Kepa managed to save. Both teams had few clear-cut chances in the following minutes until Sociedad thought they had leveled the score through Oyarzabal, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside from Merino's deflected shot.
Despite late efforts from Oyarzabal, Kubo, and Sheraldo Becker, Real Sociedad couldn't find the equalizer. The defeat means they have only managed one home win in their last eight matches. Real Madrid's victory secured a league double over Sociedad and extended their unbeaten league run to an impressive 27 matches as they move closer to their 36th La Liga title.
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