Real Sociedad survived a shock clash at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday as Real Madrid held on to a goalless draw in the LaLiga clash.
Real Madrid recorded 20 goal attempts compared to just seven created by the visitors, who heroically held on to their turf to head home to San Sebastian with a point thanks to a string of saves by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
– Kirkland: Madrid will attack ace La Real shows that they belong
– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)
“It’s a good game, very intense,” Madrid defender Nacho said after the match. “We had better chances and we didn’t take them, it’s a shame to draw. Remiro and La Real are having a great time.
“We did a good job though [the draw] It leaves us unappreciated. When you have clear chances and miss them. It’s a long time, we have to keep it going.
Vinicius Junior wasted two chances from close range, one on either side, both denying Remiro. The keeper also made critical saves on efforts from Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Rodrygo.
“I’m happy to score, and when I play personally,” Remiro later said. “Playing against these teams, they tend to throw you off. We weren’t clinical in front of the goal, but we’re happy when we draw.”
“Imanol [Alguacil] he gets the best of us. It didn’t happen. he knows how to be right.
Barcelona leaders moved up 47 points in the standings after their 1-0 win at Girona on Saturday and are now five points ahead of second-placed Real Madrid. Real Sociedad are third on 39 points, one game more than the top two.
Desperate to close the gap with Barca, Real Madrid were roared on by their fans on a cold evening in the Spanish city after being beaten by Real Sociedad from the start.
Real Benzema had the first chance in the seventh minute when he made a neat individual play past three defenders, but saw his shot blocked at close range by Remiro.
Vinicius soon beat defender Igor Zubeldia to run into the box but his right-footed effort was just wide.
Remiro took a long-range shot from Kroos midway through the first half and Federico Valverde sent a promising shot from the box into the box.
Rodrygo made a shot from the edge of the box in the 35th minute and Remiro was there again to make another stunning save.
At the same time, Benzema passed to Vinicius, whose low shot was blocked by Remiro with his left leg.
The LaLiga holders had almost 70% of the possession in the second half, but Real Sociedad created few chances on counter attacks.
Copa Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant save in the 60th minute from a low shot by Takefusa Kubo.
Vinicius had one last chance to break the deadlock, but Remiro grabbed a one-on-one shot from the Brazilian in the 70th minute.
