Martin Odegaard’s first start at Real Madrid bittersweet after a goalless draw at Real Sociedad

Martin Odegaard said he was happy to make his long-awaited first La Liga outing with Real Madrid, but the Norwegian midfielder admitted that his milestone was offset by a goalless draw at Real Sociedad.

Odegaard moved to Real Madrid when he was 16 in January 2015 amid much fanfare, but his projected rapid promotion to the first team did not initially go as planned.

After a loan in the Netherlands with Heerenveen and Vitesse, the midfielder signed for the Society on a two-year temporary contract, but after having shone for the Spanish team last season, he was called up by Real Madrid a year earlier.

Odegaard’s first chance to impress came against the Basque club on Sunday when he made his Madrid league debut more than five and a half years after arriving from Stromgodset.

Odegaard is the closest thing to a newcomer as Madrid head into the new Primera Liga season after failing to make any new signings this summer, and president Florentino Pérez admitted the club must be cautious amid the pandemic. of coronavirus.

But there have been a number of departures, including Gareth Bale, whose loan transfer back to Tottenham was confirmed on Saturday, and James Rodríguez, who has already impressed after joining Everton.

Norway’s Odegaard, whose only other league appearance with Madrid was in May 2015, lasted 69 minutes before being replaced by Casemiro.

“We didn’t get the victory. I’m not happy about it, but I’m happy to play for Real Madrid,” Odegaard told Movistar. “It’s always a bit difficult in the beginning, but it’s easier for me with all these amazing players around me.

Zinedine Zidane has dismissed suggestions that his Real Madrid squad could lack freshness this season, with a familiar XI starting this first game.

One notable omission was Eden Hazard, whose physical condition remains unsolved, even after the summer break. Zidane admitted that he wasn’t sure Hazard had recovered from the ankle injury that required surgery earlier this year.

Sergio Ramos, three goals from a century away for Madrid, saw an acrobatic effort blocked in a quiet first half before Karim Benzema swerved from the post after circling the goalkeeper.

Alexander Isak turned down the best chance when Thibaut Courtois spread his body wide to block the young Swedish striker.

Teenager Ander Barrenetxea sidestepped the post early in the second half for the hosts, while Alex Remiro made comfortable saves from Dani Carvajal and Benzema.

David Silva made his return to La Liga after a decade with Manchester City when he took Isak’s place for the final 25 minutes.

“They are two lost points, but it was difficult for us to make chances, especially in the second half. We had two or three in the first half,” said Zidane.

“We played a good game, especially defensively. We didn’t concede anything but we lacked a bit in attack, and above all, a goal.”

Barcelona will not start their league campaign with new coach Ronald Koeman until next weekend against Villarreal.

Granada lead the table with maximum points after two rounds following Sunday’s 2-1 win over Alavés.

Real Betis go on goal difference after beating Real Valladolid 2-0 with a penalty from Nabil Fekir and a goal from William Carvalho.