Real tactics backfire
Madrid held by Sociedad after change in formation gives Atletico advantage
REAL MADRID’S chances of chasing down La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid were dealt a blow yesterday as they needed a late Vinicius Junior equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw with Real Sociedad.
It could have been worse for Zinedine Zidane’s side, with Vinicius’ finish in the 89th minute preventing what would have been a damaging defeat after a weekend in which both Atletico and Barcelona had won.
Atletico’s victory over Villarreal on Sunday put them six points clear of Real Madrid, an advantage that is now only cut to five ahead of this week’s Madrid derby at the Wanda Metropolitano. Atletico also have a game in hand.
The result ends Real Madrid’s run of five consecutive wins while Portu’s brilliant header for Real Sociedad early in the second half was also the first goal conceded by the reigning champions in five games.
It represents an important shift in momentum. A few days ago Atletico might have hoped just to hold on to first place this weekend but now they could spy an opportunity to all but knock their opponents out of the title race.
Zidane admitted that his tactical changes weren’t as successful as he would’ve hoped against Sociedad.
The Real Madrid boss switched to a back three at halftime, with Cristian Portu’s opening goal coming as a result of that change of formation.
“I changed it because I wasn’t happy with our pressing,” Zidane told Spanish sports daily Marca.
“It was those 10-15 minutes and we changed it again and we were better playing a 4-3-3. Our substitutes did well after coming on.
“If you’ve asked me and that’s now three times, then yes, maybe,” Zidane replied when asked whether his changes had harmed Real Madrid.
“We had to change things because, after an hour, the team was a bit tired. Sometimes we have to change things. In the end, you try to find things to change the dynamic.”
Looking ahead to the weekend derby against Atletico, Zidane said his team has “to remain calm”.
“Patience, calm and rest. We were up against a team that creates chances against you. We have to carry on. It doesn’t change the way we go into the derby. We have to go there to have a great game.”
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois added: “We’re playing for a lot there. We can win, we’re physically strong and we’re getting players back. There’s a lot of time left to keep fighting in La Liga.”
Barcelona kept their own resurgence going on Saturday by overcoming Sevilla and now sit level on points with Real Madrid, having also played one game fewer than the leaders. Real Sociedad sit fifth, the top four seemingly out of reach.
Madrid had 20 shots to Real Sociedad’s six but lacked edge in the final third, with the injured Karim Benzema watching on from the stands.
Benzema could return for the derby and one positive for Zidane was the sight of others returning, with Fede Valverde, Marcelo and Rodrygo all back in his squad.
“Karim can be with us, yes, we’re going to see,” said Zidane, when asked about the striker’s chances of facing Atletico.
“Still, he hasn’t trained with the team but the problem is a lot better, tomorrow we’ll analyse him.” – AFP/Agencies