The clash between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad delivered intensity, goals and excitement at the Santiago Bernabeu, ending with a Madrid victory in a performance marked by offensive efficiency and decisive moments in the penalty shootout.

The start was eventful and quickly showed that it would be an open game. Just three minutes in, Mikel Oyarzabal received a pass after a free kick and shot towards the Merengue goal, but the ball went wide. The response came almost immediately. In the fourth minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold made a precise pass from the right and Gonzalo Garcia shot awkwardly, but it was enough to find the net and open the scoring.

Madrid maintained their aggressive stance. In the 16th minute, Arnold reappeared, trying to shoot inside the box, but the defence cleared the ball. In the 21st minute, however, Real Sociedad came to life: Dean Huijsen brought down Herrera inside the box and a penalty was awarded. Oyarzabal took the penalty with precision and levelled the score. Madrid's response was immediate. Two minutes later, Aramburu fouled Vini Jr in the box, who slotted the ball into the right corner as the goalkeeper dived the other way, putting the home side back in front.

Real Madrid's dominance increased in the 30th minute. In a well-worked move, Vini found Eduardo Camavinga, who set up Carreras. The full-back backheeled the ball to Federico Valverde, who fired home to make it 3-0. Before half-time, Real tried to react with a free kick taken by Oyarzabal, which was saved by Thibaut Courtois. Shortly afterwards, Gonzalo wasted a good chance in added time after a pass from Valverde.

Second half: Madrid dominance and superiority

The second half began with another blow for Madrid. In the first minute, Vini Jr was again brought down by Aramburu inside the box. The Brazilian took the penalty and scored again, extending the lead. From then on, Madrid controlled the pace, despite attempts by Real Sociedad. Valverde threatened with an individual move, saved by Remiro. Jon Martín and Muñoz tested Courtois, who responded with good saves.

In the final stretch, Madrid created further chances through Arda Güler, who shot wide on two occasions. Real Sociedad found the net through Oskarsson, but the goal was ruled out for offside. In the dying minutes, Vini Jr scored with a header from a Güler free kick, but the goal was also disallowed.

With control of the game and tactical maturity in the final stretch, Real Madrid confirmed the victory, added three crucial points, and took the lead in LaLiga, at least provisionally.

Now, 'Los Blancos' await the outcome of the clash between Girona and Barcelona, scheduled for next Monday, to see if they will remain at the top of the table. At the moment, Madrid have 60 points, while the Blaugrana are just behind with 58.

Gonzalo García

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