Liga Preview: Real Madrid-Real Sociedad
Few would have predicted that by mid-November Real Sociedad would be paying a visit to the Bernabeu as league leaders, and three points clear at that.
Few would have predicted that by mid-November Real Sociedad would be paying a visit to the Bernabeu as league leaders, and three points clear at that.
The Merengues entertain the Basques knowing a defeat would see them fall eight points off the pace and playing catch-up.
Such has been Real's fall from grace in the Champions League, they almost failed to hold onto top spot on Tuesday after their 1-1 draw in Genk. Had it not been for Walter Centeno's late, late equaliser for AEK against Roma, they'd have finished runners up.
There is the sense, though, that Vicente Del Bosque's men are about to hit top gear. Injured players will begin to return, others will regain their form, and Real will once again resemble a well-oiled machine. So Del Bosque hopes anyway.
It will have to be achieved without captain Fernando Hierro, though, as the former Spanish international sprained his ankle against Genk and faces three to four weeks out. What a blow that is ahead of next Saturday's clash with Barcelona. The centre-back may be getting on in years, but remains a commanding presence in the heart of defence. Francisco Pavon sure has a hard act to follow in the forthcoming games.
This time last season Real Sociedad sat bottom of the Primiera Liga, with many writing them off as relegation certainties. Now they play some of the most attractive, exciting football in Spain, and without the distraction of Champions League football, certainly look good for a top-six finish at the very least.
The main orchestrates have without doubt been Turkish speed merchant Nihat, and Yugoslav target-man Darko Kovacevic. There are few more exciting sights than Nihat embarking on a run through the midfield, while Kovacevic has been on hand to finish everything off. Not that the Turk hasn't weighed in with his fair share. Six goals makes him the fourth top scorer in La Liga.
Much credit must go to French coach Raynold Denoueix. They say he isn't a great communicator (mainly because he hasn't mastered the new language yet) but his team are certainly doing their talking on the field.
FORM GUIDE
Real Madrid's Last Six Matches: DLDWWD
The two victories have come against Oviedo in the Copa del Rey, and Rayo Vallecano in the league last weekend thanks to goals from Ronaldo, Roberto Carlos and Luis Figo. A draw against Deportivo, meanwhile, will prove a point gained, although the Merengues will be frustrated at not beating Genk on Tuesday after Wesley Sonck's late leveller. It turned out not to matter as Real still topped their group.
Real Sociedad's Last Six Matches: WWDWWD
Last weekend the Basques were held to a 1-1 draw by Deportivo, but prior to that secured hard-earned wins over Racing Santander and Villarreal. They'd have been disappointed to have conceded a late equaliser to struggling Alaves, but that result will have been one of the few regrets in an amazing season to date.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ronaldo (Real Madrid): some of the weight will have been lifted from the Brazilian's shoulders with the goal against Rayo last week, and he may now be able to express himself more freely.
Nihat (Real Sociedad): just how will the Real centre-backs be able to deal with the pacey Turk running at them in full-flight? Time will only tell.