Real Sociedad – Real Madrid: Champions Prevail With Precision Penalties (0-2)

If opponents do not take their chances against Real Madrid, it tends to only be a matter of time till the royals assert their authority. It turned out to be the case for the umpteenth time in this tie as the team— and its two stars — did enough to tick over on the trip to the Basque Country.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Many neutrals have respected Real Sociedad's recent body of work. In his five full seasons as the first team manager, Imanol Alguacil has never overseen a finish outside the top six. Careful construction of their squad has not sacrificed stability for success and his men must reimagine themselves once more. Mikel Merino and Robin Le Normand are the latest stalwarts to leave the club. A slower start has followed with a mere four points from their first four outings: is it a sign of a step backward?

On the other hand, Real Madrid did not stand still in the summer transfer window. Kylian Mbappé was the marquee addition to their squad— but the expected explosive fireworks from the offense have not ignited. Though the reigning LaLiga champions have still not suffered defeat in the division since the end of last September, they sat four points off top spot and without a win on the road. Standards do not cease to exist at this institution: could the camp click into the high gear that so many fear?

Carlo Ancelotti switched out three members of his last starting eleven from a 2-0 triumph over Real Betis two weeks ago. Aurélien Tchouaméni was . . .