Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad is taking place on Saturday at 3 p.m. ET. Real Madrid look to extend their La Liga lead, opposing Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid have capitalized on the capitulation of longtime rival Barcelona and the disappointing performance from Atletico Madrid, causing the usually-angry Diego Simeone to look even redder than before. Madrid have scored more goals than any other team in the Spanish league, and have the best goal differential by a wide margin, resulting in a six-point lead over second-place Sevilla.
No Ronaldo, no problem at Madrid these days; Karim Benzema has logged 19 goals and nine assists in 23 games this season, continuing to perform at one of the highest and most consistent levels in all of soccer. His running mate has been young and talented Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior, whose 13 goals and six assists in 24 games have been a sigh of relief for fans who watched him blow chance after chance last season.
Real Sociedad are about as complete a contrast as there is in Spain from Real Madrid, opting for monotonous defensive play instead of a more aesthetic and exciting attacking style. The club scored the fewest goals (25) of any team inside the top 15 spots, with just +2 goal differential.
Real Sociedad have a game in hand on many of the teams above them, too, including Real Madrid. Perhaps they could move to sixth in the table with a win. Mikel Oyarzabal has been the lone attacker looking to cause any sort of damage in the final third, notching eight goals and two assists as a wide forward, instead of a conventional number nine.
Madrid have won twice in the last five meetings between the teams, Sociedad has won one time and there have been two draws. Madrid have won three times and drawn twice in its last five league matches, Sociedad have won twice, drawn twice and lost once.
Online betting sites have not released odds at this time, but it can be expected that Real Madrid will be the favorite. They have had the better campaign, been in better form and have an overall deeper squad than the challengers.
The easiest way to break this down is by understanding that Real Sociedad are a defensive team and have conceded the third-fewest goals in the league. However, Real Madrid, a supposed attacking side, have conceded the second-fewest goals, outdoing this opponent.’
Considering this and the fact that Madrid’s attack is extremely pacey and full of flair, it is hard to imagine a scenario where Madrid doesn’t come away with at least one point, but more likely three, making them the best bet for Spanish league soccer action.
