Real Madrid has claimed the top spot in La Liga, pushing rivals Barcelona to second place, following a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. The decisive win in round 24, played on the evening of 14/2 at the Bernabeu in Madrid, Spain, saw coach Alvaro Arbeloa's side demonstrate their strength.
Coach Arbeloa strategically rested Kylian Mbappe for an upcoming Champions League playoff rematch against Benfica. Despite this, Real proved too strong for Sociedad, continuing a trend of dominance with four wins in their last five encounters against the capital club.
The scoring began early, in the 5th minute, when Goncalo Garcia put Real ahead. The 21-year-old forward received a cross from Trent Alexander Arnold and calmly struck the ball into the far corner, beating goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
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Garcia's diagonal shot opened the scoring in Real's 4-1 victory over Sociedad in La Liga round 24 on the evening of 14/2, at the Bernabeu stadium, Madrid, Spain. Photo: AS |
Sociedad found an equalizer 16 minutes later. Dean Huijsen fouled Yangel Herrera in the penalty area, and Mikel Oyarzabal converted the resulting penalty, beating goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois with a powerful shot down the middle.
This equalizer proved to be the only highlight for the eighth-ranked Sociedad. For the remainder of the match, they were overwhelmed by Real's fast-paced play, making a series of errors that led to three more conceded goals. Vinicius quickly restored Real's lead in the 24th minute, drawing a foul from Jon Aramburu in the box. The Brazilian forward then converted the penalty himself, making it 2-1 with an inside-foot shot to the right, sending goalkeeper Alex Remiro the wrong way.
Federico Valverde extended Real's advantage in the 31st minute, curling a shot into the top corner to make the score 3-1.
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Vinicius celebrates a goal in the 4-1 victory over Sociedad in La Liga round 24 on the evening of 14/2. Photo: AS |
Real maintained control after halftime. In the 48th minute, Vinicius again dribbled past Aramburu, drawing another foul in the box, and then sealed the 4-1 victory by converting his second penalty of the match.
This outcome propelled the Royal club to the top of La Liga with 60 points after 24 matches. They now sit two points ahead of Barca, having played one more match. To reclaim the top spot, Barca must win away at Girona in their upcoming match on the evening of 16/2.
Thanh Quy
