Arda Güler is the hero of Real Madrid on a difficult evening in San Sebastián

Real Madrid has moved one step closer to the LaLiga championship. The semi-finalist in the Champions League won 0-1 on Friday evening against Real Sociedad. Arda Güler scored in the first half and that turned out to be enough for the three points. The lead over number two FC Barcelona has increased to fourteen points. The Catalans will only play against Valencia on Monday.

Trainer Carlo Ancelotti took Tuesday's Champions League match against Bayern Munich into account with his line-up. Antonio Rüdiger, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Júnior started on the bench in Sociedad. This meant that there were starting places for, among others, Éder Militão, Nacho, Brahim Díaz, Güler and Joselu. Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy were missing due to injuries.

Sociedad shouted for a penalty after 20 minutes of play, because Mikel Oyarzabal was brought down in the box. However, the ball did not reach the spot. After almost half an hour on the clock, Real Madrid got away well when Benat Turrientes shot over the bar from close range. The visitors had a difficult time, but nevertheless broke the spell.

A cross from Daniel Carvajal passed by the entire Sociedad defense, allowing Güler to shoot in at the far post: 0-1. It was the Turkish talent's second goal in LaLiga this season. The home club straightened out and leveled with a nice goal from Takefusa Kubo in minute 33. At least, that's what the cheering players and fans thought.

Referee José Munuera Montero consulted the VAR and ruled out the 1-1 due to a foul prior to Kubo's goal. A major setback for Sociedad, which was unable to overcome the minimal deficit in the remainder of the fascinating first half. Real Madrid went into the dressing room with a better feeling.

Sociedad did not give in and became dangerous again shortly after the break through Turrientes. Kepa was alert and kept Real Madrid on their feet at the Estadio Anoeta. The Royal was mainly concerned with maintaining the narrow lead in the second half and ultimately succeeded in that mission.

The home club saw another goal canceled more than fifteen minutes before the end, this time from Oyarzabal. The attacker was offside at the time of scoring. In the final phase, substitute Sheraldo Becker was unlucky when his shot went over Kepa's goal. Real Madrid held out and is closer to the Spanish league title again.

Almost champion

If Barcelona lose or draw against Valencia on Monday, Real Madrid can become champions of Spain next week. Relegation candidate Cádiz will visit the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, May 4. The focus is first on the visit to Bayern next Tuesday.

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