As the final few games of this entertaining La Liga season kicks into life, Real Madrid enter the last few games with an outside chance of snatching another La Liga title having gone through a turbulent season.
Just a point behind leaders Barcelona and fierce local rivals Atletico, Zinedine Zidane’s men take the battle to the Anoeta Stadium as they face Real Sociedad in a mouth-watering clash this weekend.
Kickoff and Live Telecast
Date and Time: 30 April 2016; 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Anoeta Stadium
Live Stream: Starsports.com
Betting Odds: Real Sociedad- 4/1; Draw- 3/1; Real Madrid- 4/6 via Bet365
Team News
Real Sociedad
Real Sociedad will miss Carlos Vela for this match as he is suspended. Starlet Mikel Oyarzabal is set to shake off a knock to make it in time for the game. Diego Reyes could be set to take over from Inigo Martinez, who suffered a sprain in the final training session before the match, with Mikel Gonzalez in the heart of defence.
Real Madrid
Casemiro returns for Real Madrid after having missed the previous game through suspension. Toni Kroos may sit the game out as a result of Zinedine Zidane’s squad rotation. James Rodriguez or Isco might find a spot in the starting eleven this time.
Jese and Lucas Vazquez may be set to start the game in place of Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema who are both out injured.
Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo could be sidelined for 18 days, claims former Portuguese national team doctor
Probable Lineups
Real Sociedad (4-3-3): Rulli; Elustondo, Reyes, Gonzalez, Yuri; Pardo, Granero, Illarramendi; Xabi Prieto, Oyarzabal, Zurutuza
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Navas; Marcelo, Ramos, Varane, Danilo; Casemiro, Isco, Modric; Vazquez, Bale, Jese
Form
Real Sociedad
Eusebio Sacristan’s men come into the game on the back of some poor results since their sensational win against Barcelona at the Anoeta, having lost to Eibar away and Getafe at home since. They drew their last game against Villarreal. They have two wins to boast of before these three games against Barcelona and Sevilla.
Last 5 Matches: W-W-L-L-D (Last match: Villarreal 0-0 Real Sociedad)
Real Madrid
Real Madrid are on a sensational run of form, having won all but one of their last five games scoring an obscene number of times in that run. They won against Rayo Vallecano, Villarreal, Getafe and Wolfsburg in those games and drew away to Manchester City in midweek.
Last 5 Matches: W-W-W-W-D (Last Match: Manchester City 0-0 Real Madrid)
What the managers have to say:
Real Sociedad
Eusebio Sacristan is sufficiently calm on the matter of facing Madrid and has insisted that there will not be any grand change in the way the play against their opponents in view of the quality of the opponents. When asked about the absence of key players from Real’s starting eleven, he had this to say:
“They are a very strong side with quality players who possess great physical strength and fitness; they also have a great mentality – the kind of mentality which will allow them to fight for both of the competitions they are left in - and they are in with a chance of winning both competitions. ”
Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane has had to face a bucket of questions on Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema of late but about the match up at the Anoeta he had this to say:
"It is a tough place to go to. I have seen many of La Real's games. We know it will be difficult for us but if we are all committed, all together, we can get a good result there. The players are not going to relax -- they are very focused on what remains for us this season.”
Key Stats:
- Real Madrid have won their last 9 matches in La Liga.
- Real Madrid have won 12 of their last 14 games against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
- Real Madrid have scored at least 3 goals in 7 of their last 8 games against Real Sociedad in all competitions.
- Over 2.5 goals have been scored in Real Sociedad’s last 8 games against Real Madrid in all competitions.
Key Battles:
Asier Illaramendi vs Luka Modric
Asier Illaramendi is a vital cog in the Real Sociedad machine and has done reasonably well in a start stop season for Eusebio Sacristan’s side. While not boasting a huge goal or assist count, Illaramendi’s willingness to run all over the field when off the ball and to start of play when on it makes him a vial asset for Sociedad.
Luka Modric on the other hand is more than important for Real Madrid as situations have suggested of late. Real Madrid had to come from behind to win the game against Rayo Vallecano and Real did miss Modric’s skill in the middle of the park.
Both players will be vital to their respective team’s midfield and it seems likely that if both players perform to their best, the fans are in for a treat.
Mikel Oyarzabal vs Marcelo
19-year-old Mikel Oyarzabal is one to remember for the future. Having somewhat of a breakout season for his side, Mikel has 4 goals and an assist to his name in La Liga and recently scored the winner versus Barcelona at the Anoeta. It may seem possible that he may be offered a chance to shine on the night.
Up against Mikel will be Real Madrid’s stellar defence with special attention on Marcelo. Mikel will tend to drift into the space left behind Marcelo in all probability regardless of whether he plays central or on the right. The Brazilian is a sturdy operator on the left as he combines his impressive attacking play with steadfastness at the back that most people do not appreciate.
If Mikel manages to have his best on display, Marcelo could be in for a fight and this one is a battle that will be one to look out for.
Prediction
Real Sociedad are capable of grinding a result out on the night and in light of the absence of Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo, it doesn’t seem entire impossible for them to do so on the night. However, even without key players, Real Madrid may just have too much about them.
Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid
