Sad end to an era as the French star's final European act goes against the script as the German underdogs fashion out victory
Arda Gueler scored to earn a second-string Real Madrid side a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Friday, moving the LaLiga leaders a step closer to a record-extending 36th Spanish title.
With five games remaining, Real climbed to 84 points and extended their lead to 14 points over second-placed Barcelona, who have a game in hand and host Valencia on Monday.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti made nine changes to the team who beat Barca 3-2 on Sunday, resting key players like Jude Bellingham and Toni Kroos ahead of their Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and his side did just enough to secure the three points.
"It was clear that everyone thought we were coming here for a walk," Ancelotti told reporters. "The only ones who didn't think so were the players. They had commitment and attitude. They had the desire and enthusiasm to keep winning."
Six-placed Real Sociedad, fighting for a Europa League spot, dominated possession under pouring rain in northern Spain and had a few good chances saved by Real keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The visitors made the most of the only chance they had in the first half, when 19-year-old Turkish midfielder Gueler, making his first start for Real after signing from Fenerbahce, turned home Dani Carvajal's cross in the 29th minute.
Three minutes later Takefusa Kubo thought he had scored the equaliser with a tidy finish from close range, but the referee ruled the goal out after spotting a foul in the build-up following a VAR check.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser after the break but had another goal ruled out, a strike from Mikel Merino who was offside, and a shot from the edge of the box by Benat Turrientes was saved by the inspired Arrizabalaga.
Real Madrid almost ended up extending their lead later on, with Alex Remiro making a brilliant reflex save to deny Eduardo Camavinga's strike from close range.
"We have a spectacular squad. They have this attitude that they feel like they have to win every game. There are four points left to clinch the LaLiga title and we are very close," Ancelotti said.
ALSO READ
Sad end to an era as the French star's final European act goes against the script as the German underdogs fashion out victory
'My kids' hero is Ronaldo' now I hope it's me' said the 2024 World Snooker Champion after his opponent Jones lost the first seven frames of the best of 35 frames contest
The units are equipped to transform residences into golfing sanctuaries while eradicating the limitations of weather, seasonality and tee times
When the Paris opening ceremony begins on July 26, it will be the first time the city has played host for a century after previous editions in 1924 and 1900
This decision to invite players outside of the top 100 has precedents which is an interesting initiative to watch
Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Al-Qahtani meets Morocco's Taha Bendaoud in the main event
The NBA Abu Dhabi Games will feature 17-time champions Boston Celtics and defending champions Denver Nuggets in October
The winner leaves the Montgomerie in a hurry due to work obligations after shooting a tournament-winning 43 Stableford points