Battling Real Sociedad survived a pounding at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday as they held Real Madrid to a goalless draw in a frantic LaLiga game.
Real Madrid recorded 20 goal attempts compared to just seven created by the visitors, who kept their turf brave to go home to San Sebastian with a point thanks to a string of saves by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
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“It was a good game, very intense,” Madrid defender Nacho said after the match. “We had the better chances and we didn’t take them, the draw is a shame. Remiro and La Real have had a great season.
“We did a good job though [the draw] Leave us with a bad taste. When you have clear chances and you miss them. It’s been a long time, we have to continue.”
Vinicius Junior wasted two chances from close range, one in each half, with Remiro denying both. The keeper also made crucial stops from efforts by Karim Benzema, Toni Kroos and Rodrygo.
“I’m happy with this point, and with my game personally,” Remiro said afterwards. “Playing against these teams, they normally don’t let you off the hook. We weren’t clinical in front of goal but we’re happy with the draw.”
“Imanol [Alguacil] Get the best of us. It is not accidental. He knows how to get it right. “
Leaders Barcelona moved to 47 points in the standings after their 1-0 win at Girona on Saturday and are now five points ahead of Real Madrid. Real Sociedad are third with 39 points, with one game more than the top two.
Desperate to close the gap with Barça, Real Madrid stormed after Real Sociedad from the start, booed by their fans on a chilly evening in the Spanish capital.
Benzema had Real’s first chance in the seventh minute when he made a brilliant individual move, dribbling past three defenders, but saw his close-range shot stopped by Remiro.
Soon after, Vinicius beat defender Igor Zubeldia to run into the box but his right-footed effort was just wide.
Remiro palmed away a long-range shot from Kroos midway through the first half and Federico Valverde misfired a promising volley from just inside the box.
Rodrygo had a shot from the edge of the box in the 35th minute and, again, Remiro was there to make another stunning save.
Just before half-time, Benzema passed to Vinicius whose low shot was blocked by Remiro with his left foot.
The LaLiga holders had almost 70% of the possession in the second half but Real Sociedad created several chances with counter attacks.
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a brilliant save in the 60th minute from a low strike from Takefusa Kubo.
Vinicius had one last chance to break the deadlock but Remiro palmed away a one-on-one chip shot by the Brazilian in the 70th minute.
