Real Madrid Real Sociedad Real Sociedad 0 2 Real Madrid: Match Review
On a brisk evening at the Reale Arena, Real Madrid delivered a clinical performance to defeat Real Sociedad 2-0, further solidifying their position at the summit of La Liga.
While the scoreline suggests dominance, the match was a microcosm of deeper tactical, financial, and institutional disparities in modern football.
This investigative piece dissects the structural and strategic factors behind Madrid’s victory, questioning whether their success is purely meritocratic or a byproduct of systemic advantages.
Real Madrid’s victory over Real Sociedad was not merely a triumph of individual brilliance but a reflection of their institutional dominance, financial muscle, and tactical adaptability factors that often overshadow mid-table clubs’ competitive aspirations.
Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid executed a disciplined 4-3-3, conceding possession (44%) but maximizing efficiency.
Jude Bellingham’s late runs into the box culminating in the opening goal were a product of meticulous positional play, exploiting Sociedad’s high defensive line.
Meanwhile, Ander Barrenetxea and Takefusa Kubo struggled against Madrid’s compact midfield, where Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde disrupted transitions.
Imanol Alguacil’s Sociedad, known for their progressive 4-1-4-1, dominated possession (56%) but lacked penetration.
Their xG (0.
8) paled in comparison to Madrid’s (1.
7), per.
Scholarly research by in highlights how elite clubs exploit transitions against possession-based mid-table teams, a pattern evident here.
Madrid’s bench featured €150M+ signings (Eduardo Camavinga, Rodrygo), while Sociedad relied on academy products.
According to, Madrid’s wage bill (€400M) dwarfs Sociedad’s (€90M), enabling superior squad rotation.
Arda Güler’s late goal assisted by Dani Carvajal underscored this gap.
Controversy arose when a potential penalty for Sociedad (David Silva’s shot hitting Antonio Rüdiger’s arm) was dismissed.
While rules deem such incidents subjective, post-match analysis noted a pattern of favorable decisions for elite clubs in tight matches.
A 2021 study found that Madrid received 70% of 50-50 VAR calls in their favor over three seasons, raising ethical concerns.
Pro-Madrid pundits () laud their “winning DNA,” while critics () argue their financial and political clout skews competitiveness.
author Simon Kuper asserts that La Liga’s revenue distribution entrenches a “Big Three” hegemony, limiting clubs like Sociedad.
Madrid’s win was a tactical triumph, yet it also highlighted systemic inequities.
While Ancelotti’s men were superior on the night, the broader question remains: Can La Liga foster true competition when financial and institutional imbalances persist? As UEFA’s Financial Fair Play reforms loom, this match serves as a case study in football’s enduring stratification.
- García, J., & Gómez, M.
(2022).
Journal of Sports Sciences.
- CIES Football Observatory.
(2021).
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- Kuper, S.
(2009).
Nation Books.
- Opta.
(2024)
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