Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad Preview: Arbeloa braced for Real test
Posted Sunday, February 06, 2011 by PA
Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa is expecting a tough test as his side host Real Sociedad looking to get their Primera Division challenge back on track following last Sunday's shock defeat to Osasuna.
Madrid slumped to only their second league loss of the campaign, going down 1-0 in Pamplona, and that left them seven points adrift of Barcelona at the top of the Primera Division table.
Jose Mourinho's men bounced back from that setback in midweek by knocking out holders Sevilla to progress through to the final of the Copa del Rey, but if the Spanish giants want to keep their league hopes alive they know they can ill afford another slip-up.
Madrid have won their last 20 competitive matches at the Bernabeu, but they had a hard time in their first meeting against promoted Sociedad this season - winning 2-1 at Anoeta thanks to a deflected goal 16 minutes from time - and Arbeloa doubts it will be easy this time either.
"I'm sure it's going to be a nice match, but we are going to have to work hard to win the three points," the Spain international told Bwin.
"Sociedad made things very difficult for us in Anoeta and I'm sure they are also going to make thing difficult at the Bernabeu.
"They have good players in attack and especially on the wings.
"Xabi Prieto, (Raul) Tamudo, (Antoine) Griezmann are doing well, and (David) Zurutuza is also a quality player, and maybe the fact that they are coming here without any pressure will make them feel more comfortable.
"They are good up front, so we will have to be very focused."
Sociedad have enjoyed a fine return to the top flight after winning the Segunda Division title last season and have already picked up 28 points, leaving them seven points off the European places and 10 clear of the relegation zone.
Coach Martin Lasarte, whose side have drawn just once in their 21 games so far, admits it would be "reckless" to assume Madrid would be less dangerous after falling seven points behind Barca in the title race, saying: "I worry about all their players."
However, he also believes his team can give the capital club some headaches - even though history suggests it will be Madrid celebrating.
In 63 league meetings between the two at the Bernabeu, Madrid have won 44 compared to just three wins for Sociedad.
"We had a great match against them at Anoeta and Mourinho himself admitted to me that we didn't deserve to have lost," Lasarte said.
"We can cause them cause them problems, we've had a good week, we have heart, high hopes and dreams.
"It's not going to be easy to stop them, we will have to be united and not leave any space, but we also have to create chances."
Winger Griezmann added: "Madrid is nothing out of this world. We can do damage on the counter-attack."
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