Real Sociedad 0-1 Real Madrid: Los Blancos edge closer to title after hard-fought win

Real Madrid extended their lead at the top of LaLiga to 14 points after securing a 1-0 victory in San Sebastian. Despite being largely outplayed by Real Sociedad, the team managed to clinch the win. Real Sociedad's five-match unbeaten run was brought to an end with this result (W3, D2).

Carlo Ancelotti made extensive changes to the team that won El Clasico last Sunday in preparation for the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

As a result, the hosts started the game with a sense of optimism and immediately put Kepa Arrizabalaga under pressure. Takefusa Kubo almost caught him off guard at his near post after 15 minutes. However, Los Blancos breathed a sigh of relief when Mikel Oyarzabal went down in the penalty area following a challenge from Fran Garcia, but the referee dismissed the penalty claims.

Despite being on the back foot for the first half-hour, Madrid managed to take the lead with their first shot of the game.

Nacho Fernandez received a drilled pass on the right wing and delivered a perfect first-time cross to Arda Guler, who calmly guided the ball past Alex Remiro for his second goal of the season.

To add insult to injury, Sociedad had an equalizer disallowed by VAR three minutes into the second half. Kubo had successfully steered the ball past Arrizabalaga, but a foul committed by Ander Barrenetxea on Aurelien Tchouameni in the build-up preserved Real's lead.

Sociedad came out strong after the break and came close to equalizing within seconds as Benat Turrientes took a shot from the edge of the box, but Kepa made a great save to deny them.

In the remainder of the third quarter of the match, opportunities were scarce for both teams. However, La Real had another chance to equalize when Merino's shot from 25 yards was deflected and fell into Oyarzabal's path. Unfortunately, Oyarzabal was in an offside position when he prodded the ball past the goalkeeper.

Towards the end of the game, Oyarzabal, Kubo, and Sheraldo Becker all came very close to scoring a late equalizer for Imanol Alguacil's team. Despite their recent good form, they have only managed to secure one home win in their last eight matches.

Real Madrid's victory over Sociedad in both league matches means they have now gone 27 games unbeaten in the league. This impressive streak brings them closer to securing their 36th league title.