Real Madrid came from behind to beat Real Sociedad 2-1 on Sunday, reclaiming the top spot in La Liga with its fifth win in a row. Carlo Ancelotti’s team extended their unbeaten league record to 15 points, two more than second-placed Barcelona, who thrashed Betis 5-0 on Saturday. After only five minutes at the new-look Santiago Bernabeu, the Basque visitors took the lead, as Kubo caressed a lovely pass into Barrenetxea’s path. Kepa Arrizabalaga saved his first attempt but was unable to claw out the second. Kubo then beat the custodian with a stunning strike, but it was called out for offside.
As Madrid regained their footing, Joselu hit the crossbar with the goal gaping and Alex Remiro denied Dani Carvajal. Less than a minute into the second half, Valverde equalized Real Madrid by blasting Fran Garcia’s cut-back off the post from outside the area. The left-back also set up the second goal, crossing for target man Joselu to nod home at the back post.
In the 60th minute, Joselu gave the hosts the lead with a spectacular header from a Fran Garcia cross from the left. As Ancelotti desired more control of the game, he replaced Spain international Joselu with Eduardo Camavinga. The Italians got it as well, with visitors effectively locked down and unable to find holes between Madrid lines.
Any team in the league can hurt you, we have to correct things because we conceded a goal very early on. But this is at the Bernabeu Stadium and with our fans we were able to turn it around, Joselu said after registering a good comeback win. The goals that I score and help the team to earn points are what make me the happiest. We are doing a bit of everything, we are confident in ourselves, there’s a lot of quality in the squad and we came from behind again, he added. Real Madrid will begin their Champions League campaign against Union Berlin on Wednesday before traveling to Atletico Madrid for the league clash.
Earlier in the day, Spanish defender Sergio Ramos returned to Sevilla for the first time since leaving in 2005, as they won their first game of the season against Las Palmas. Following his summer transfer from Paris Saint-Germain, the 37-year-old started the 1-0 triumph at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. Ramos, who left Sevilla for Real Madrid 18 years ago to the chagrin of many Andalucian fans, was greeted warmly upon his homecoming.
