Real Madrid was held to a goalless draw on Sunday at the Santiago Bernabeu by Real Sociedad in La Liga. The result favors Real Madrid La Liga rivals Barcelona who tops the table with five points after defeating Girona 1-0 away from home on Saturday.

The result represents an inconsistent run of form for Real Madrid, who have now lost one and drew one of their last five La Liga matches, having been beaten by Villarreal in their first La Liga game in 2023 with a 2:1 scoreline.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side went to the Spanish Supercopa in January in Saudi Arabia and was able to beat Valencia in the semifinals, although they eventually lost 3-1 to Barcelona in the final of the Supercopa de Espana.

Since their return from the Super Cup, Real Madrid defeated Villarreal 3-2 in the Copa Del Rey to avenge their La Liga loss before beating Athletic Club in the La Liga and then a 3-1 extra-time win over Atletico Madrid during the week in the Copa Del Rey.

Sunday’s fixture was already a must-win for the Los Blancos after Barcelona won 1-0 against Girona on Saturday. A second-half goal from youngster Pedri ensured the win and created six points gap between both rivals before Sunday’s kickoff at Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Sociedad were also in impeccable form going into the game as they have only lost four times in the La Liga season, with the last defeat coming in a 2-0 deficit to Real Betis in October 2022.

In their nine games in all competitions this year, Real Sociedad have only lost once in all competitions, and that was a 1-0 loss to Barcelona during the week in the Copa Del Rey.

Despite going toe to toe with Real Madrid in the first half of the game, Real Sociedad couldn’t cope in the second half as their hosts outplayed them, but they were fortunate enough not to concede a goal in the game.

Real Madrid’s next game is against Valencia in La Liga, while Real Sociedad faces Real Valladolid at San Sebastian.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu