Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Jovic becomes Real Madrid’s hero in San Sebastian

Luka Jovic replaced the injured Karim Benzema just 17 minutes into Real Madrid‘s match away at Real Sociedad on Saturday night, with little expected of the Serbian striker, but he ended up becoming the hero by first providing an assist and then netting a goal in Los Blancos‘ 2-0 victory.

Vinicius Junior opened the scoring for Real Madrid and then Jovic‘s goal made sure of the points, as Carlo Ancelotti‘s side opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the LaLiga Santander table.

Jovic to the rescue

Benzema‘s injury understandably brought about a lot of fear amongst Real Madrid‘s supporters and the coaching staff, but Jovic‘s performance in the second half will have made them feel a lot more relaxed.

Jovic‘s assist for Vinicius‘ strike was wonderful, and then he showed a striker’s instinct to convert Casemiro‘s header down from a Luka Modric corner.

Benzema’s injury was inevitable

The muscle injury that Benzema suffered at the Reale Arena seemed a long time coming, given Ancelotti‘s lack of rotation during a period in which there are a lot of matches.

The likes of Modric, Casemiro, Toni Kroos or David Alaba easily could have suffered the same issue.

Militao’s incredible first half

Eder Militao was arguably Real Madrid‘s man of the match, and he shone particularly bright in the first half.

The Brazilian prevented two possible Real Sociedad goals in the first 45 minutes and was a colossus in the centre of defence.

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Thanks to Militao‘s performances this season, nobody is even thinking about Raphael Varane, who left for Manchester United last summer.

Real Sociedad’s complaints

There was a big row at the Reale Arena as the half-time whistle blew, because Real Sociedad were about to take a corner kick but were then unable to as Jesus Gil Manzano indicated that the one minute of stoppage time was up.

La Real‘s players also complained about the fact that Casemiro did not receive a yellow card in his time on the pitch, and it is lucky for Real Madrid that he didn’t, as it would have seen him miss the derby against Atletico Madrid next weekend.