Arda Guler extends Real Madrid’s huge Liga lead at Real Sociedad football news

Turkish teenager Arda Guler’s strike helped Real Madrid move closer to the Spanish title with a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Friday, moving them 14 points clear at the top of La Liga. It appears to be a formality for Madrid to take back the title from their arch-rivals after last weekend’s Clasico victory over second-placed Barcelona, ​​and Guler helped them take a step closer. The 19-year-old playmaker has endured an injury-plagued season but captained a heavily depleted Madrid side to a hard-fought victory at the Real Arena on his first league start.

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti rested almost his entire first-choice squad with a view to facing Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-finals on Tuesday.

Top scorer Jude Bellingham was on the bench after recovering from a stomach problem, with Vinicius Junior, Toni Kroos and several other stars being late additions to the team list.

As a result, Madrid contributed little in attack beyond Güler’s goal, with the hosts finishing sixth thanks to rain in San Sebastián.

“Arda scored a goal, Arda will be an important player for us in the future, there is no doubt he will be here next year,” Ancelotti told reporters. He also praised his team’s commitment despite the rotation.

He added, “It was quite clear that everyone thought we were coming here for a walk, only the players didn’t think so.”

“I’m proud of the players because they had the drive and the will to keep winning… I have to thank them because from that standpoint, they were fantastic.”

Madrid goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, saved Takefusa Kubo’s effort as La Real continued to probe.

Ancelotti also gave defender Eder Militao his first start after a long-term knee injury.

The Brazilian looked uncertain but Real Sociedad were unable to take advantage, with Benat Turrientes narrowly saving.

Despite failing to create an opening of their own early on, Madrid took the lead in the 29th minute.

Aurelien Tchoumeni passed the ball on the right to Dani Carvajal, who whipped a low ball across the area.

It was a perfect pass from the Spain international – it appears he was only playing because he is suspended for the trip to Munich – and Guler arrived in the right place at the right time to finish.

‘Sleep’

Kubo thought he had equalized Real Sociedad against his former team before the break when he beat Militao and headed home, but Ander Barrenetxea was penalized for a foul on Tchoumeni in the build-up.

“Baren went to steal the ball and all I can say is that the player who lost it was sleeping,” Kubo told Movistar.

Arrizabalaga headed up Tourientes’ effort in the second half and Ancelotti called on the cavalry for the final 25 minutes, bringing Vinicius Junior and Fede Valverde onto the field.

Another substitute player, Antonio Rudiger, made a crucial block on Oyarzabal Dink’s effort and pushed the forward’s effort back for a corner.

Alex Ramiro made a good save to deny Eduardo Camavinga late on as the strong visitors took control with five minutes of extra time to see out victory.

To help Madrid prepare for its Champions League match at Bayern, the match was moved from Saturday to Friday with just over a week’s notice.

Kubo said, “It’s a pity, everyone who watched the game knew we deserved to win.”

“It’s sad for the fans, because of the rain, the schedule change… it’s all nonsense.”

Barcelona face Valencia in La Liga on Monday but have almost lost the race for the Catalan title.

Madrid’s performance was certainly forgettable, but they are eyeing a league and Champions League double for the fifth time in their history – and that will be something to remember.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)