This has been a frustrating season for Real Madrid, failing to live up to expectations so far in their quest for another La Liga title. Of course, things haven’t been any better for Real Sociedad -- they’re sitting just two little points above the relegation zone, and are just under two months since firing David Moyes for their terrible start to the campaign.
Real Madrid vs. Real Sociedad 2015 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch La Liga online
Real Sociedad are trying to claw their way further clear of the relegation zone, and an upset win over Real Madrid would be a great way to do that.
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Things have been somewhat better under Moyes’ replacement Eusebio, winning two of his five matches in charge -- not an impressive total, but it’s the same number as Moyes won in 11 matches. Madrid’s form is actually not a lot better. They’ve lost three of their last six league matches, a run that had put Rafa Benitez’s job in some amount of risk that he hasn’t completely cleared. The danger remains despite a 10-2 win over Rayo Vellecano in their last outing. Madrid should win this game, but if they don’t, that could be it for Benitez.
Key player: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Ronaldo is one of the best players in the world, but for most of this season his form has been anything but that. Recently, though, he’s been on one of his classic goal barrages, finding the back of the net in five of Madrid’s last six all-competitions matches, with 10 goals total in that time. If he keeps up this stellar run of form, there may not be much Sociedad can do to keep him at bay.
Key matchup: Marcelo (Real Madrid) vs. Carlos Vela (Real Sociedad)
While Vela isn’t Sociedad’s top scorer -- that honor falls to Imanol Agirretxe -- he is arguably their biggest and most consistent threat in attack, albeit one who hasn’t quite been up to his usual standard for much of the season. Still, he’s been playing much better of late, and if he can continue that improvement against the recently shaky Marcelo, Madrid could be in a big heap of trouble thanks to Vela’s disruptive runs from that side.
Real Madrid injuries and suspensions
Out: None In doubt: Dani Carvajal, Raphael Varane
Real Sociedad injuries and suspensions
Out: David Zurutuza, Raul Navas In doubt: Mike Gonzalez
Match date/time: Dec. 30, 10 a.m. ET, 4 p.m. local
Venue: Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain
TV: beIN Sports (US & Canada), Canal+ Liga/HD, Movistar TV Futbol (Spain), Sky Sports 1/HD (UK)
Online: beIN Sports Connect, Fubo TV (US & Canada), Sky Go (UK)
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