Real Madrid Vs Real Sociedad What Channel
Miguel Morenatti/Associated Press
Real Madrid will be looking to establish a vice-like grip atop the La Liga table when they welcome Real Sociedad to the Santiago Bernabeu in Week 21 of the season. Carlo Ancelotti's side play before both Atletico Madrid and Barcelona this weekend, meaning that victory over the Basque outfit will move them temporarily four-points clear in first place with a game in hand.
Can Moyes' side do a number on the European champions? Alvaro Barrientos/Associated Press
But if they're going to win this one, then they'll have to do so without Cristiano Ronaldo. The club's top scorer was sent off in Los Blancos' previous La Liga encounter and will be banned for the visit of David Moyes' team.
Sociedad will have happy memories of playing the European champions after their wonderful 4-2 win against them earlier in the campaign at the Anoeta. But you suspect things are going to be much more difficult for them away from home. Here's all the details you need to see how they fare and a closer look at the shape of both teams on the cusp of this one.
Date: Saturday, Jan. 31
Time: 3 p.m. (GMT), 10 a.m. (ET)
Live Stream: Sky Go (UK), beIN Sports Connect (U.S.)
TV Info: Sky Sports 5 (UK), beIN Sports (U.S.)
Los Blancos Looking To Cement Top Spot
Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
Gareth Bale was on hand to spare his side's blushes against Cordoba last time out, as the illustrious men representing the European champions toiled for long spells against the newly promoted side. But the Welshman's late penalty ensured all three points came back to Madrid, that despite a sending off for Ronaldo.
As noted by RMadridFever, Bale has stepped up in Ronaldo's absence previously:
In truth, the ban could have come at an ideal time for the 29-year-old. The Ballon d'Or winner has looked a little jaded in recent encounters, and his problems off the field have been well-documented; from Madrid's perspective, hopefully this brief hiatus will allow him to replenish and come back at a level better resemblant of his stunning early-season form.
A short break could be a blessing in disguise for Ronaldo. Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images
In the meantime, Bale admitted that with the Portuguese absent, he will be hopeful of getting a chance at taking more free-kicks, per RMadridHome:
Ancelotti's team should have more than enough to beat Sociedad anyway. The depth that the squad has in attacking positions is exceptional, and the likes of Bale, Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez have more than enough class to cause some massive problems for Moyes' men.
Can Moyes get the better of some more world-class opposition? David Ramos/Getty Images
As noted by Dermot Corrigan of ESPN, things haven't been going particularly well for the former Manchester United manager as of late:
Dermot Corrigan @ dermotmcorriganHT Real Soc 0-0 Eibar. Some boos at Anoeta. Moyes side not scored themselves in first 2 ½ home Liga games of 2015.
What Moyes has done is steer this team well clear of the relegation zone, and you suspect he'll send out a side at the Bernabeu that is cohesive, diligent and difficult to beat. Sociedad have fared well against the top teams this season too, having beaten Real, Atletico and Barcelona amidst an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Sociedad won the reverse fixture earlier this season. David Ramos/Getty Images
Their key man so far this season had been Xabi Prieto. The midfield schemer remains a prominent creative influence for La Real and as we can see here, courtesy of OptaJose, he chips in with the odd goal too. His winner last time out against Eibar was a vital goal for Moyes' men and a landmark one in La Liga too:
OptaJose @ OptaJose500 - Xabi Prieto has scored the 500th goal in the Spanish League this season. Real Sociedad.
Sociedad have been very, very poor away from home, though. They've yet to win a single game on the road this season, with the fortitude and spirit that have been so prominent at the Anoeta abating at the earliest sign of trouble. Those perennial flaws could potentially be exposed in earnest at the Bernabeu.
Even without their talisman, Madrid will be far too strong for their opponents. Expect Bale to relish the responsibility of being the team's main attacking threat and for the Welshman to dazzle in an easy win for the European champions.
Prediction: Real Madrid 4-0 Real Sociedad
Real Madrid Vs Real Sociedad What Channel
Source: https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2346761-real-madrid-vs-real-sociedad-date-time-live-stream-tv-info-and-preview