Real Sociedad

The depression which had hung over Real Madrid since their Copa del Rey exit vanished in a vibrant second half display in Sunday’s Clásico, writes Alfredo Relaño.

If Wednesday's game at San Mamés ended 1-0, Thursday's clash at the Reale Arena ended 2-1.

A clash between Athletic and Granada in LaLiga staged at San Mamés at this time of the year would have passed off inadvertently as just another game.

The absence of Real Madrid and Barça in the Copa del Rey semi-finals may have dampened entusiasmam for some for with this new cup format