Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad
It’s already been a troubled start to 2019 for Real Madrid.
After dropping points in their New Year opener to a side which was in the relegation zone, the European Champions can now ill afford to concede further ground on the title contenders.
With their post-Cristiano Ronaldo form suggesting a fourth successive Champions League title is unlikely, the importance of La Liga for Los Blancos is emphatically clear.
Talking Points
This position is nothing new of course.
SBOBET statisticians will tell you Madrid have only been Spanish champions twice in the last decade – with Jose Mourinho in 2011/12 and under Zinedine Zidane in 2016/17 – and it has become a tradition for Madrid to be out of the title race early on.
Yet, of their 17 league games this season, the European and world champions have won just nine, drawing three and losing five, meaning they have failed to win almost every other game this season and have already dropped 21 points.
That needs to be put right quickly if they are to mount a challenge.
Certainly, there is a far greater chance to catch up domestically than in Europe, even if they do trail leaders and arch-rivals Barcelona by seven points as domestic combat resumes after a brief winter hiatus.
The sacking of Julen Lopetegui was as ruthless as the announcement of his appointment was crass. The club is slowly but surely recovering, though, even if there are serious doubts whether replacement Santiago Solari’s tenure will extend beyond this summer.
He’s poised to make his first signing next week, and it’s one for the future with 19-year-old Brahim Diaz. The former Malaga youngster, set to join from Manchester City, is subject to a medical in a deal costing £15.5 million, rising to around £21 million with add-ons.
Madrid certainly need strengthening in the post-Cristiano era.
The trio of Luka Modric, skipper Sergio Ramos and Karim Benzema are all over 30 and, in Solari, there is a suggestion the club hasn’t a figurehead established enough to attract top stars.
With Gareth Bale also out for up to a fortnight after sustaining an injury in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal, Real are definitely lacking some of the star quality which has been sprinkled throughout their starting XI in recent seasons.
On saying all of that, this weekend’s opponents Real Sociedad would love to be in Madrid’s shoes.
Critics say Madrid have gone backwards but remember: this is still a side which claimed a 13th European Cup, the Club World Cup and Modric’s Ballon d’Or in what many perceive to be a troubled 2018.
Sociedad have seen Eusebio Sacristan and Asier Garitano leave the club which also bid an emotional farewell to Xabi Prieto and Imanol Agirretxe.
Meanwhile, Inigo Martinez’s departure for Basque rivals Athletic Bilbao – one of the La Liga 2019 news stories – marked one of the San Sebastian side’s worst moments in recent years.
One-time Arsenal man Carlos Vela was another who set off from La Real as he embarked on a new journey in Major League Soccer, having played in both the Champions League and Europa League at the club.
With Sociedad in 15th place, just three points clear of the drop zone, Madrid’s situation should be put in perspective.
One word of encouragement of Sociedad, though. Madrid have conceded one more goal in the league than them this term so, despite their limited attack – 18 goals scored in 17 league matches – this may be closer than many think.
History
Last season, Madrid secured a league double in comfortable fashion.
They won 3-1 at Sociedad in September, courtesy of goals from Borja Mayoral, Bale and an own goal.
They won this corresponding fixture, 5-2, in the Bernabeu when Ronaldo netted a hat-trick and was joined on the scoresheet by Toni Kroos and Lucas Vazquez.
Sociedad have lost their last seven meetings, last recording a victory in August 2014.
Betting Tip
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Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad | Real Madrid Asian Handicap -1.75 @ 2.26 |
| January 7 01:30 (GMT+8) |
The La Liga 2019 betting odds make Real firm favourites.
They are priced 1X2 @ 1.36 with the draw offered @ 4.60, and Sociedad way out @ 8.50.
If there are to be plenty of goals, you can get odds on over 3.50 @ 2.14 and total goal 4-6 @ 2.45.
Sociedad have lost their last three matches while Real have still won six and drew one of their seven home league games this term.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
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|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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