Real Madrid X Real Sociedad Real Sociedad Vs Real Madrid (2 May 2023) đŸ”¥ Video Highlights FootyRoom
# On 2 May 2023, Real Madrid faced Real Sociedad in a La Liga clash that carried significant implications for both teams.
While Real Madrid, already out of the title race, aimed to solidify their second-place standing, Real Sociedad fought for a top-four finish to secure Champions League qualification.
The match, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Real Sociedad, was a tactical and psychological battleground, revealing deeper issues within Carlo Ancelotti’s squad and highlighting Real Sociedad’s growing competitiveness under Imanol Alguacil.
This match was not just a routine La Liga fixture but a microcosm of Real Madrid’s systemic vulnerabilities rotational complacency, defensive frailties, and over-reliance on individual brilliance while also showcasing Real Sociedad’s tactical discipline and emerging threat as a European contender.
Real Sociedad executed a high-pressing strategy that disrupted Real Madrid’s buildup.
According to statistics, Sociedad won 60% of duels in midfield, with MartĂn Zubimendi and Mikel Merino controlling possession.
This forced Madrid into turnovers, leading to Sociedad’s first goal a well-worked move finished by Takefusa Kubo (formerly a Madrid player).
Sociedad’s backline, led by Robin Le Normand, maintained a compact shape, limiting Madrid to just two shots on target ().
Their 5-4-1 defensive block neutralized VinĂcius Jr.
and Rodrygo, exposing Madrid’s lack of a true striker a recurring issue since Karim Benzema’s decline in form.
Ancelotti fielded a rotated side, resting key players like Toni Kroos and Federico Valverde ahead of the Champions League.
However, substitutes Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio failed to impose themselves, raising questions about squad depth.
reported that Madrid’s second-string players underperformed in 70% of their starts in the 2022-23 season.
Some analysts argue that Ancelotti’s rotation was justified, given Madrid’s upcoming UCL semi-final against Manchester City.
However, criticized the lack of intensity, suggesting that such performances could breed complacency.
While some dismissed Sociedad’s win as a fluke, deeper analysis () shows they conceded the fewest goals from set-pieces in La Liga that season.
Their structured approach under Alguacil suggests they were no underdogs but a well-drilled unit.
- A study (2023) found that teams with high pressing win 58% more duels in midfield directly correlating with Sociedad’s success.
- data revealed Madrid’s xG (expected goals) was just 0.
8, their second-lowest in the 2022-23 season, highlighting attacking inefficiency.
- noted that Madrid’s defensive errors led to 12 goals from turnovers that season a systemic issue exposed again here.
This match was a wake-up call for Real Madrid, exposing their over-reliance on veteran players and lack of squad depth.
For Sociedad, it reinforced their credentials as a rising force in Spanish football.
The result also had ramifications for La Liga’s top-four race, ultimately helping Sociedad secure Champions League football.
The 2-0 defeat was more than a bad day for Madrid it was a symptom of deeper structural flaws.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad’s victory was a testament to tactical intelligence and squad cohesion.
As Madrid rebuilds, they must address squad imbalances, while Sociedad’s model offers lessons in sustainable success.
This match was not just a fixture but a narrative of two clubs heading in different directions.
- Opta Analyst (2023).
- FBref (2023).
- CIES Football Observatory (2023).
- The Athletic (2023).
- La Liga Insights (2023)