Trent's Beckham-esque brilliance steers Madrid to eighth straight win
Alexander-Arnold channels his inner Goldenballs with spectacular passing display as Real Madrid cruise past Real Sociedad to keep pressure on Barcelona.
Real Madrid continue their Jekyll and Hyde season with a commanding victory over Real Sociedad that belies the crisis narrative surrounding the club in recent months.
The indecipherable Madrid machine
For a club supposedly in crisis, Real Madrid are making quite the habit of winning football matches. Eight on the spin now, with this latest triumph over the fashionable Real Sociedad keeping them hot on Barcelona’s heels, just two points behind their eternal rivals.
It’s proper baffling, this Madrid team. One minute they look ready to fall apart at the seams, the next they’re dismantling one of Spain’s form sides with surgical precision. After somewhat dodgy displays against Rayo and Valencia, Arbeloa’s men clicked into gear with a performance that had everything:
- A midfield that finally dominated proceedings
- Clinical finishing when opportunities arose
- Defensive solidity that limited Real Sociedad’s threats
Trent: The new Beckham?
The Bernabéu finally got to witness what Premier League fans have known for years – Trent Alexander-Arnold has a wand of a right foot. His pinpoint delivery for Gonzalo’s opener was simply delicious, the kind of pass that few players in world football could execute.
From Michel to Beckham and now to Trent, the right flank at the Bernabéu has seen some spectacular passers grace it over the years. The Englishman’s ability to orchestrate play from wide positions adds yet another dimension to this Madrid side.
Vini’s penalty masterclass
With Mbappé rested, penalty duties fell to Vinicius Jr, who adopted what appeared to be the Lewandowski technique – that little hop before striking the ball. Two penalties, two different corners, two goals. Both spot-kicks were won by the Brazilian himself, though the second one looked particularly contentious.
Valverde finds his range
Fede Valverde bagged his first La Liga goal of the season with a trademark thunderbolt. Playing in a more advanced midfield role, freed from the burden of initiating play (left to Camavinga and Güler), the Uruguayan returned to his box-to-box best.
His goal – a rocket fired into the top corner using the inside of his foot rather than the laces – was vintage Valverde. As Ancelotti once said, “He has a stone in his foot.”
Mbappé rested for bigger battles
The comfortable nature of the victory allowed Arbeloa to keep Mbappé on the bench for the entire match, nursing the knee issues he’s been carrying. With a Champions League clash against Benfica (and Mourinho) looming on Tuesday, this was perfect management of resources.
Matarazzo’s Bernabéu baptism
Pellegrino Matarazzo’s honeymoon period as Real Sociedad coach came to an end in the Spanish capital. His decision to rest key players like Turrientes and Guedes backfired as his side suffered their first defeat under his stewardship, though they never completely capitulated despite the scoreline.