- Real Madrid hosted Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu in a La Liga clash
- Sociedad scored earlier in the first half, putting pressure on the inform Real
- Joselu was on target once again as Real made a stunning comeback to win in front of home fans
Joselu once again played a crucial role in maintaining a flawless start for Real Madrid to the new La Liga season as they secured a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
Joselu, on loan from Espanyol, had previously scored the winning goal for Madrid in their dramatic last-minute win over Getafe before the international break. On this occasion, he delivered the decisive blow, contributing to Carlo Ancelotti’s team’s fifth consecutive victory.
The early stages of the match saw Ander Barrenetxea put Real Sociedad in the lead just five minutes in. However, Federico Valverde responded with a spectacular long-range strike immediately after halftime, leveling the score for Madrid. Then, in the 60th minute, Joselu’s header, following a superb cross from Fran Garcia, secured all three points for Madrid at Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid players celebrating after Federico Valverde scored the equalizer against Real Sociedad in a La Liga clash on Sunday, September 17, 2023. | PHOTO: BBC |
READ: Why Real Madrid could delay the return of Vinicius Jr from injury
Before the game began, Jude Bellingham received applause from the home crowd as he was awarded the La Liga Player of the Month for August, recognizing his exceptional start to his tenure in the Spanish capital.
Sociedad stunned the Bernabeu crowd with their early goal when Barrenetxea completed a fluid move by the visitors. Kieran Tierney initiated the play from the back, feeding Take Kubo, who provided the cross for Barrenetxea. Despite Madrid’s on-loan goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga saving the initial attempt by the Sociedad player, Barrenetxea capitalized on the rebound to score.
Kubo, facing his former club, continued to impress and added to a strong first half for Sociedad by performing a cheeky nutmeg on Toni Kroos.
The Madrid fans erupted in the second half when Valverde calmly side-footed the ball into the net from the edge of the penalty area. Just 40 seconds into the second half, Valverde restored parity with a precise shot into the corner following a pass from Fran Garcia.
Garcia continued to play a pivotal role and was the architect of the winning goal in the 60th minute. The left-back had ample space on the wing and delivered an exceptional cross that found Joselu, who was unmarked and headed the ball in from six yards. This goal marked Joselu’s second of the season.
Following Joselu’s substitution in the 62nd minute, Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga were introduced to help Madrid maintain their lead and secure their fifth consecutive La Liga victory this season. However, Bellingham’s late diving header was denied by Alex Remiro, preventing Madrid from extending their lead.
Madrid’s focus now shifts to the Champions League, which resumes in midweek, with the 14-time European Cup winners commencing their campaign with a home fixture against Union Berlin on Wednesday.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login