Real Madrid conserved their energy in San Sebastian, but still won 1-0 thanks to a brilliant move and boosted their confidence for the upcoming clash in Munich
With Real Madrid’s double-digit points lead in La Liga and the semi-final first leg at FC Bayern in the Champions League on Tuesday, coach Carlo Ancelotti decided to field a better B-team for the visit to San Sebastian.
The injured Bellingham was conspicuous by his absence, as were Fede Valverde, Vinicius Jr. and the two DFB players Kroos and Rüdiger. The beneficiaries of the orgy of changes included Fran Garcia, Ceballos, Arda Güler, Brahim Diaz and Joselu. Kepa replaced Lunin in goal
The game was not particularly spectacular in the first half. Much of the action took place between the penalty areas, and even less inside them. The Basques began with a few pinpricks through Kubo (8, 15), but were then caught out cold: Tchouameni played an outstanding diagonal pass to Carvajal, who had the eye for Arda Güler in the middle from the right – 1:0 (29).
Shortly afterwards, San Sebastian celebrated the supposedly quick equalizer through Kubo. However, the goal was conceded again after a VAR check because Barrenetxea had clearly fouled Tchouameni (32′). That was the end of the highlights in the first half, in which the Whites did not have to stretch themselves too much to go into half-time with a lead due to the hosts’ harmlessness.
It was also a dull affair after the break. Madrid did no more than was necessary, while San Sebastian looked helpless and helpless. The Whites, who gave Vini Jr, Camavinga and Rüdiger a taste of competitive football, were not really challenged. However, they also failed to seal the deal early on and therefore had to tremble a little at the back – but nothing more than that.
The Blancos consolidated their top position in La Liga with the win and also saved energy for the upcoming Champions League clash at FC Bayern Munich next Tuesday.
