Real Madrid have only found the net 26 times so far this season...
The game at the Bernabéu started with an error from Marcelo which led to a clumsy challenge from Casemiro conceding a penalty and ended with a breakaway from Oyarzábal which Willian José should have converted for a 0-3 scoreline. In-between, we were treated to a decent game with Vinicius in particular catching the eye as Madrid laid siege to Rulli's goal and inhibited Real Sociedad from breaking out of their half. Despite plenty of chances, Solari's men were unable to find the net and in this post-Cristiano era have only scored 26 goals in the league campaign to date. They did force the Argentine keeper to pull off some fine saves and can claim to having a clear penalty denied but were also looked vulnerable on the few occasions when Real Sociedad launched counter-attacks.
Good and bad
It was an odd game at times and we witnessed both the best and worst of this Real Madrid team, attacking with gusto but lacking in defense. Vinicius showed signs of what he is capable of and always threatened when in possession. The Brazilian also linked up well with Benzema but it was not to be the Frenchman's night in front of goal. Lucas Vázquez also delivered a fine performance which was tainted with his sending off with the Galician player incurring two yellow cards that were perfectly avoidable. The team forged well in attack but when they were forced to defend the few la Real counters, they sat deep and were ponderous. Credit too must go to Imanol's men who played the classic away from home role of sitting deep, playing with discipline and countering with venom and vision.
Goal shy
The defeat comes after Solari's somewhat ironic comment in his pre-match press conference where he suggested that draws are not so bad and despite one citing bad luck with an apparent penalty denied, this setback comes after a run of below par league performances. In recent games, the dramatic issue for Real Madrid is their lack of goals. There was no out and out attacking option on the bench last night. The current squad features four strikers and two are currently missing through injury. Real Madrid are not fifth due to a penalty not given by VAR, they are in this position as the club failed to adequately cover the departure of a player of the calibre of Cristiano Ronaldo. At least fans can take some solace in the hope offered by Vinicius. This was possibly the only positive that supporters could take with them upon leaving the Santiago Bernabeu last night.