Real Madrid started to stumble in La Liga, many thought that Barcelona will do the same with time. But the Catalans didn’t, and that’s why they have all but secured the La Liga title. Then, Real focused on their Champions League quest, as they often say that this competition is ‘theirs’, and still continued to stumble in La Liga. And little by little, they are now one defeat away from losing the second place in La Liga. With 68 points, Los Blancos are just above city rivals Atletico Madrid and tonight’s game with Real Sociedad probably wouldn’t be such a reason for concern if it weren’t revealed that Karim Benzema is not in the squad. But that’s not all.OFFICIAL: Real Madrid squad to face Real Sociedad. ❌️ Benzema, Modrić, Camavinga, Vinícius, Alaba, Mendy✅️ Nico Paz, Arribas, Dotor, Alvaro Rodriguez pic.twitter.com/m4UTH6ghsy— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 2, 2023 Real’s best striker didn’t travel to San Sebastian, and the club didn’t offer any explanation for it. He is not injured (officially), and coach Carlo Ancelotti talked about the player the day before.”He might play as a starter. He’s a bit tired but if he’s well and has no real problems he’ll play. I won’t rotate apart from the injuries. We play at ten o’clock at night and we have time to recover. I’ll put out the best side and if the non-regulars deserve to start the game, then they will” said the Italian. Obviously, something happened, and Karim won’t even be on the bench.Chiellini: I was close to signing for Real Madrid but I’m not fond of the Spanish style of footballThe problem is, Vinicius Jr won’t be there either. The Brazilian forward is known for his temper, and getting into quarrels with opposition players, fans, and referees has brought him trouble and yellow cards, so he is suspended for this game. Benzema and Vinicius have 27 goals and 12 assists between them, Asensio, Valverde and Rodrygo follow, but with single-digit numbers. And apart from this terrific duo, other regulars like Mendy, Alaba and Modric are not participating either. So, this winnable game suddenly turns into a potential problem, especially since Atletico Madrid, who plays tomorrow with Cadiz, is on a roll, with only one defeat (Barcelona) in the last 15 La Liga matches. On the other hand, Real has had three defeats in the last seven games.Real Valladolid: 🎩Barcelona: 🎩Almeria: 🎩Karim Benzema really has three hat tricks in April 🤯 pic.twitter.com/nIpXggeFRp— B/R Football (@brfootball) April 29, 2023 It is clear that Benzema, even with the slightest discomfort, will be spared in order to be 100% against Manchester City in the Champions League, but his injuries and years have forced Ancelotti to be sincere at the press conference.”The club’s future project is to sign a ‘9’, because Karim is at a certain age. We hadn’t thought about it until his recent trouble. The attacking line-up worked very well last year, as it is this year. Benzema has had ups and downs, but Vini Jr. and Rodrygo have both progressed. Asensio’s also been doing very well. Our strikeforce hasn’t been the problem over the last two years” said Real coach. So, expect Los Blancos to be on the market this June.LA LIGA – MATCHDAY 33Tuesday20:30 (1.65) Almeria (3.80) Elche (5.40)20:30 (1.20) Barcelona (7.25) Osasuna (16.0)23:00 (2.80) Real Sociedad (3.40) Real Madrid (2.65)Wednesday20:30 (2.95) Valencia (3.45) Villarreal (2.50)23:00 (1.30) Atl. Madrid (5.20) Cádiz (11.0)23:00 (2.55) Getafe (3.15) Celta Vigo (3.20)Thursday20:30 (2.25) Girona (3.30) Mallorca(3.60)20:30 (1.88) Sevilla (3.50) Espanyol (4.30)23:00 (1.75) Athletic Club (3.70) Real Betis (5.40)23:00 (1.85) Rayo Vallecano (3.60) Valladolid (4.80)***odds are subject to change***
