Real Madrid – Real Sociedad

Just a few days after being eliminated in the Copa del Rey by Celta, Real Madrid are hosting Real Sociedad in a game from the 20th round of the Spanish La Liga.

Los Blancos’ overall performance against Celta was a dissapointment for the club’s fans, who hoped that their favorite team could win the treble this season. Something which is impossible now. But they can still enjoy being the leader in La Liga with one point ahead of Sevilla and a game in hand.

Real Sociedad were also eliminated from the Copa Del Rey during the week, losing against Barcelona. At the Camp Nou Eusebio’s team conceded five goals and it was overally not a good day for La Real’s defense. The team is still performing very good in the league though, still on par with the 4rd Atletico Madrid in the battle for a Champions League qualification.

Real Madrid’s manager Zinedine Zidane has to deal with a lot of problems in his squad before this game. Five of his key players are injured – Luka Modric, Marcelo, Dani Carvajal, James Rodriguez and Gareth Bale. In the same time, Pepe’s condition is still unclear as the Portuguese defender is still recovering from a calf injury.

Real Sociedad’s manager Eusebio will be without the services of Yuri Berchiche, who is suspended for the game. Mikel González and Carlos Martinez are missing the visit to Santiago Bernabeu because of injuries, while David Concha, Joseba Zaldua, Imanol Agirretxe and Pablo Sisniega are all doubtful. The good news come from the recovery of Markel Bergara, who is once again fit and ready to play after an ankle injury.

Real Madrid are the clear favourite at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, but most probably it won’t be an easy game for them. Zinedine Zidane can’t use many of his key players because of injuries, while in same time Real Sociedad are performing very good in the league this season.