Real toil in goalless opening draw at Sociedad
Real Madrid began the defence of their Spanish title with a tepid 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad as Martin Odegaard made his first league start for the reigning champions against his former club.
Real are heading into the La Liga season after making no new signings this summer, with president Florentino Perez admitting the club has to be cautious amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Odegaard is the closest thing to a new arrival, the attacking midfielder returning early from his two year loan with Real Sociedad, after he shone for them last season.
But there have been a string of sales, including Gareth Bale, whose move back to Tottenham was confirmed on Saturday, and James Rodriguez, who has already impressed after joining Everton.
Norwegian Odegaard, whose only other league appearance for Real came in May 2015, lasted 69 minutes before he was replaced by Casemiro.
“We didn’t get the win. I’m not happy about that, but I’m pleased to play with Real Madrid,” Odegaard told Movistar. “It’s always a bit difficult at the start but it’s easier for me with all these incredible players I have around me.”
Zinedine Zidane has brushed off
suggestions his Real side could lack freshness this season, with a very familiar XI starting this first game.
One notable omission was Eden Hazard, whose fitness remains unresolved, even after the summer break. Zidane admitted on Saturday he was unsure whether Hazard has recovered from the ankle injury.
“It’s two points lost but we struggled to make chances, particularly 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.” — AFP