La Liga Round 24: Real Madrid’s Defensive Shuffles and Real Sociedad’s Scoreless Streak

The 24th round of La Liga continued on the evening of February 10, with leaders Real Madrid facing defensive challenges and Real Sociedad struggling to find the net. As Real Madrid’s key center-back Antonio Rüdiger returns from injury, Nacho Fernández is now sidelined, leaving Los Blancos’ defense in a state of flux. This round’s top-of-the-table clash might turn into a goal fest given the circumstances. Meanwhile, Real Sociedad, having drawn their last three matches 0-0, will hope that the return of Takefusa Kubo can reinvigorate their attack.

Real Madrid vs. Girona: Rüdiger as the Game Changer

La Liga’s top-of-the-table clash this round features Real Madrid against Girona. Both teams saw their winning streaks come to an end in the previous round, maintaining their two-point difference at the top. This match is crucial, often referred to as a "six-pointer" in the race for the title.

Real Madrid’s matches against Atlético Madrid this season have been notably challenging, and the previous round was no exception. Faced with Atlético's robust defense, Real Madrid’s attack struggled, particularly near the opposition’s penalty area. However, fortune favored them when Brahim Diaz’s attempted pass deflected off Koke and fell to Lucas Vázquez, who was onside. Vázquez then returned the ball to Diaz, who scored with ease inside the box.

Atlético responded aggressively. With Rüdiger absent due to injury, Dani Carvajal had to fill in at center-back, a weakness that Atlético’s coach Diego Simeone capitalized on. Atlético frequently attacked through aerial duels, causing continuous threats to Real Madrid’s goal. If not for goalkeeper Andriy Lunin’s excellent performance, Real Madrid might have conceded much earlier.

As the saying goes, "You can’t keep playing with fire without getting burned." In stoppage time of the second half, Atlético’s persistent high-ball strategy paid off, with Marcos Llorente equalizing with a header.

In their previous game, Girona hosted La Liga’s draw specialists Real Sociedad. Girona’s usually fluid attacking play was nowhere to be seen, as Real Sociedad controlled the pace. The match ended in a 0-0 stalemate, with Girona failing to create significant scoring opportunities, and Real Sociedad missed two late chances.

With Rüdiger potentially returning from injury and Nacho out, Aurélien Tchouaméni is likely to partner with Rüdiger in central defense. In their first encounter this season, Real Madrid triumphed 3-0, a scoreline that suggests Los Blancos rarely fear an attacking contest. This time, Real Madrid is expected to secure a 3-1 victory over Girona.

Real Sociedad vs. Osasuna: Stuck in a 0-0 Rut?

Real Sociedad remains engaged in three competitions and still harbors hopes of a treble. Their midweek Copa del Rey semi-final against Mallorca ended in a predictable 0-0 draw, marking their third consecutive goalless draw across all competitions. Real Sociedad has been exceptionally busy in 2024, already playing nine matches. Their defense has been solid, conceding only four goals in these nine games.

Osasuna, on the other hand, is experiencing a downturn with two consecutive losses, and their relegation worries are growing. In their midweek clash against relegation-threatened Celta Vigo, Osasuna played lethargically, squandering numerous chances with wayward shots. They managed 18 shots but only one on target. Celta, in contrast, exemplified efficiency, scoring three goals from just six shots.

Real Sociedad has a strong recent record against Osasuna, with seven wins and three draws in their last ten official encounters. With their attacking talisman Takefusa Kubo returning from the Asian Cup, Real Sociedad’s attacking prowess should improve. Real Sociedad is expected to win 2-0 against Osasuna.

The Tactical Landscape

Real Madrid's game against Girona is pivotal not just for the points but for the tactical adjustments made due to injuries and suspensions. Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to use Carvajal as a center-back was a bold move born out of necessity, highlighting the team’s current defensive vulnerabilities. With Rüdiger’s return, there’s hope for more stability, but Nacho’s absence could still pose significant problems. The pairing of Rüdiger and Tchouaméni in central defense will be under scrutiny, as their performance could determine the outcome of the match.

Girona’s challenge will be to break down Real Madrid’s defense while keeping their own defensive shape intact. Given their recent goalless draw against Real Sociedad, Girona must rediscover their attacking rhythm to pose any threat to Real Madrid.

Real Sociedad’s match against Osasuna, on the other hand, is a test of endurance and tactical flexibility. Their inability to score in recent matches despite strong defensive performances suggests a need for a strategic rethink. The return of Takefusa Kubo is a significant boost, offering creativity and pace in the final third, which has been sorely missing.

Osasuna’s approach will likely be pragmatic, focusing on defensive solidity and counter-attacking opportunities. However, their recent form and lack of clinical finishing are areas of concern that need immediate addressing if they are to avoid slipping further into the relegation battle.

Key Players to Watch

Real Madrid: Antonio Rüdiger – His return from injury is crucial for stabilizing Real Madrid’s defense. His leadership and physical presence will be key in dealing with Girona’s attacking threats.

Girona: Cristhian Stuani – Girona’s experienced striker needs to find his scoring boots to help his team challenge Real Madrid effectively.

Real Sociedad: Takefusa Kubo – Back from international duty, Kubo’s creativity and attacking flair will be essential for breaking the scoring drought and leading his team to victory.

Osasuna: Ante Budimir – The forward needs to convert opportunities into goals, especially given Osasuna’s recent struggles in front of the net.

Conclusion

As La Liga’s 24th round unfolds, the spotlight will be on how Real Madrid manages their defensive reshuffle and whether Real Sociedad can break their goalless streak. These matches not only affect the current standings but also offer insights into the tactical adjustments and resilience of the teams involved. Fans can expect intense battles, strategic maneuvers, and hopefully, plenty of goals.