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Real Madrid began their bid to defend the La Liga title by losing points in a 0-0 draw against Real Sociedad on Sunday.
Madrid controlled the first half, but failed to create clear chances. Sergio Ramos had a blocked shot and Karim Benzema shot wide after rounding goalkeeper Alex Remiro. The best chance of the half fell to Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, who was rejected by a superb save by Thibaut Courtois.
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In the second half, chances were rare, as Benzema had another shot stopped, while Raphael Varane got in the way of a shot aimed at the goal of substitute David Silva, who came in for the home team on his debut.
Positive
The return of Martin Odegaard to Madrid – after shining on loan at Real Sociedad – has generated a lot of illusion, but a question remained about how he would fit in the Real Madrid midfield. We got our first clue here, as a new 4-2-3-1 formation allowed Odegaard to play his preferred 10th position.
The home team was one of the best teams to watch in La Liga last season, especially before the lockout, and they have many young talents, but here Madrid were the best team for long periods, missing the final ball or the touch that should reach. to the rhythm of competitive games.
Negative
Madrid showed a lack of avant-garde here, which will be a matter of concern for coach Zinedine Zidane. They played well at times, but rarely reached goal positions. Added to that, with an offensive-looking team starting the game, there was a worrying lack of attacking options on the bench when a change was required.
Eden Hazard’s absence from the squad – with Zidane admitting before the game that the Belgian is still out of shape after ankle injuries interrupted his debut season at the Bernabéu – came as no surprise, but that wasn’t. makes it less worrisome. Hazard will have to return to the team and impress fast if he is to dispel the doubts surrounding his great arrival a year ago.
Manager rating out of 10
6 – Zidane chose a surprisingly offensive lineup for Madrid’s first game of the season, and a potentially tricky away test. Casemiro stayed on the bench, and that meant a double pivot from Toni Kroos and Luka Modric behind Odegaard, and a forward three.
The system favored Odegaard, and while Madrid had a lot of pace in Vinicius and Rodrygo, the first goal did not come despite a good start. Zidane made a triple change midway through the second half, including the introduction of young winger Marvin Park, but the breakthrough never came.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best, players submitted after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Thibaut Courtois, 7 years old – He started this season where the last one ended: making big saves at crucial moments. His stop before the break, stretching a leg to deflect Isak’s shot, prevented Madrid from going back at the break.
DF Dani Carvajal, 8 – Held hard in the chest by Ander Barrenetxea in the first half, and delivered a dangerous cross that almost found Rodrgyo at the near post. An optimistic shot in the second half was close to catching Remiro.
DF Raphael Varane, 8 – He did well in the second half in particular when the game opened up and his pace was necessary to deal with Real Sociedad’s counterattacks. He painfully blocked Silva’s shot from the edge of the area.
DF Sergio Ramos, 7 – Good start to the season. A clever change of direction under pressure in the second half demonstrated his confidence on the ball.
DF Ferland Mendy, 7 years old Zidane’s decision to sell Sergio Reguilón to Spurs showed that he is backing Mendy to be Marcelo’s successor. His association with Vincius is very promising in the future. A tough battle against the awkward Portu saw him pick up a yellow card in the first half.
MF Toni Kroos, 8 – Kroos doesn’t always enjoy the increased defensive responsibility that comes when Casemiro is out, but he was impressive here, always looking for the ball to start plays from deep.
MF Luka Modric, 7 years old – He played deeper than usual to suit Odegaard. He finished last season in outstanding shape and looked good here until he was tired later.
MF Martin Odegaard, 6 years old – He made his first start in La Liga with Real Madrid, five years after signing for the club. His inclusion against the team he starred in on loan was unexpected, but there were moments of combined play with Benzema that suggested there is much more to come.
PW Vinicius Junior 7 – He has a chance to make the left side of the attack his own until Hazard is back in shape. I caught the ball early and it turned heads with a nutmeg from the first half. A good cross from Benzema was barely cut, and he later found the French forward for Madrid’s best chance of the game.
FW Rodrygo, 7 – His pace caused problems for Aihen Muñoz of the Real Sociedad from the beginning. He changed flank at times but vanished with the team.
DEL Karim Benzema, 7 – He could have scored in the first half, but he shot across from a tricky angle after Remiro’s mistake. He slipped just as he shot with his left leg from the edge of the area after that. He seemed to enjoy playing with Odegaard and should thrive on the service he will receive from the three young men around him.
Substitutions
MF Casemiro, 6 – He replaced Odegaard when Zidane was looking to toughen up the game in midfield.
MF Federico Valverde, 6 – He came in for a tired Modric but he needs to find his shape again this season.
FW Marvin, 6 – His debut with the first team. The 20-year-old had impressed in Madrid’s victory in the UEFA Youth League and had half a chance to score here, stumbling when Vinicius found him in the area.
MF Sergio Arribas, N / R – Another young man who will debut in added time.
