Real Sociedad beat Real Madrid to boost Champions League hopes

Real Sociedad took a big step towards Champions League qualification thanks to a superb 2-0 win over Real Madrid.

Real Madrid had their first big chance after nine minutes when Eder Militao rose highest to power a header towards goal but Alex Remiro was able to react quickly and tip it over.

Just five minutes later Real Sociedad came within inches of taking the lead when Martin Zubimendi struck the crossbar from point-blank range.

La Real had another huge chance to take the lead in the 19th minute, Alexander Sorloth burst down the right-hand side past Antonio Rudiger and into the box before pulling the ball back for David Silva who could only fire an effort straight at Thibaut Courtois.

Real Sociedad took the lead just two minutes into the second half thanks to some poor play at the back from Real Madrid. La Real pressed high and Militao fired a pass back to Courtois which he couldn’t reach and Takefusa Kubo was on hand to fire home against his former club.

Real Madrid’s night went from bad to worse on the hour mark when Dani Carvajal was shown a second yellow card for a foul just seven minutes after picking up a needless yellow card for dissent.

Imanol Alguacil’s side made sure of all three points five minutes from time when Ander Barrenetxea cut inside before rifling an effort past Courtois to make it 2-0.

The result leaves Real Madrid 14 points behind leaders Barcelona with five games of the season remaining while fourth-placed Sociedad have an eight-point cushion over Villarreal, having played a game more.

More to follow.