Real Sociedad held Rel Madrid in their opening La Liga match
Defending champions Real Madrid were held to a goalless draw at Real Sociedad in their opening game of the new La Liga season.
Zinedine Zidane’s side looked well short of their best as they started the season a week later than other teams.
They created very few clear-cut chances against a spirited home side as Karim Benzema’s low strike was pushed away by goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
4 – @realmadriden (Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo Goes and debutants Marvin Park and Sergio Arribas) are the first team to play a @LaLigaEN game with four different players born in 2000 or later. Future. pic.twitter.com/UbjgeSH5gx
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) September 20, 2020
Ex-Manchester City midfielder David Silva made his Sociedad debut coming on as a second half substitute but was unable to impact the game on a positive level.
The hosts had the better of the chances as Alexander Isak’s low strike was kept out by Thibaut Courtois and Ander Barrenetxea side-footed a volley narrowly wide.
Real were without the injured Eden Hazard who was out with an ankle injury, while Welshman Gareth Bale left the club this week to re-join Tottenham on a season-long loan deal.
Brazilian youngsters Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo failed to make an impact on the game, while Norwegian midfielder Martin Odegaard – who impressed last season while on loan at Sociedad – was steady in the middle of the park.
Dani Carvajal’s long-range strike was straight at Sociedad keeper Remiro, who also kept out Toni Kroos’ curling strike to leave the visitors frustrated on their return to action.
Meanwhile, Real gave a second half debut to midfielder Marvin Park, who spent three years as a junior at Tranmere Rovers.