Real Madrid slumped to a 2-0 home defeat to Real Sociedad to deliver another blow to their fumbling title challenge in LaLiga.
Willian Jose opened the scoring from the penalty spot inside three minutes and, after Lucas Vazquez was sent off just after the hour mark, Ruben Pardo wrapped up the victory for the visitors inside the final 10 minutes.
Re-live the action below:
Welcome
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad in La Liga. FA Cup? Never heard of it.
We'll have live coverage of the 17:30 kick-off and team news from around an hour before.
Until then, you can delve into the murky, and somewhat amusing, world of Manchester City-Real Madrid transfer negotiations that are specifically being put in place to hinder Manchester United.
Team news
This is a big game for both sides. Real Madrid, after their 2-2 draw at Villarreal on Thursday night, are desperate for a win to remain within touching distance of Barcelona. They're currently sitting in fifth, seven points off top and still not looking convincing under new coach Santiago Solari.
For Real Sociedad, relegation remains a serious concern. They sit in 15th, on the back of four consecutive defeats and just three points clear of the bottom three. A result here would be a big boost for the visitors.
It's a big day for Vinicius Junior, who makes his first La Liga start for Real Madrid. The 18-year-old, expected to be one of the next generation of Galácticos, has been restricted to only six league appearances so far this season, totalling just 61 minutes. Today, with several Real forwards injured - Gareth Bale and Marco Asensio are unavailable - Vinicius gets his chance.
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Elsewhere
It's finished level between third-placed Sevilla and second-placed Atletico Madrid at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán. Wissam Ben Yedder gave the hosts the lead before Antoine Griezmann's equaliser on the stroke of half time.
That result means Real Madrid can move level on points with Sevilla with victory over Real Sociedad.
Real Madrid's season has been plagued by inconsistency, by an apparent inability to string together a run of form. But it has been even worse for Real Sociedad. Before the winter break, coach Asier Garitano was sacked and replaced by reserve team manager Imanol Alguacil. His first game is about as difficult as it gets, but results, given their precarious position in the table, are quickly becoming a necessity for the Basque club.
Real Sociedad do not boast a great record at the Bernabeu. They have taken just a point from their previous 11 visits, lost their last seven and won just five times at the stadium in their history. That along with their dismal recent form suggests that the home side should win this one comfortably. This has been a strange season in La Liga, though.
The teams are making their way out onto the pitch. We're moments away from kick off now...
Real Madrid 0-0 Real Sociedad
2 minutes
Penalty for Real Sociedad. Marcelo loses the ball in his own half and Merino goes down under a challenge from Casemiro. Early chance for the visitors.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
6 minutes
The home fans, not easily pleased at the best of times, are voicing their discontent already. Real Madrid have started poorly, as they have often this season, and find themselves immediately on the back foot. They're dominating possession but defensive lapses have cost them again.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
8 minutes
The visitors break quickly and Oyarzabal finds himself in acres of space. He looks to pick out a teammate but his pass is blocked and Real get away with some more poor defending.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
10 minutes
Big chance for Karim Benzema. A ball in to Vinicius bounces up kindly for the Frenchman, who looks certain to score. But his left-footed shot flashes wide of the post. It's the first time Real Madrid have threatened but they should be level.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
13 minutes
Januzaj breaks into some space in midfield, turns and looks to pick out the run of Oyarzabal. It would have been a chance had his pass been better, but the ball runs through to Courtois.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
15 minutes
Vinicius has been Real Madrid's most lively player in the early stages. He bursts through on goal and looks to dink his finish past Rulli. The goalkeeper gets enough on it to keep out the shot and Real Sociedad manage to clear.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
18 minutes
Real Sociedad do not look like a side on a run of four successive defeats here. They have been disciplined defensively and composed on the ball. Real Madrid, meanwhile, look disjointed and stunted in attack.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
22 minutes
Benzema charges towards goal, plays a one-two and hits a left-footed shot, which deflects just wide. Real Madrid take the corner quickly, and Luka Modric forces a strong save from Rulli with a strike from the edge of the box.
Real Madrid 0-1 Real Sociedad
24 minutes
Lucas Vazquez links up nicely with Vinicius and looks to get a shot off. He's blocked off, though, and the hosts' frustration continues.
When is it?
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad gets underway at 17:30 GMT.
Where to watch
Eleven Sports are showing live coverage on the tie on Elven Sports 1
Odds
Real Madrid to win: 2/5
Real Sociedad to win: 7/1
Draw: 4/1
Prediction
Real Madrid 3-1 Real Sociedad: It’s been two weeks since the visitors last played a league game and the tests do not come much tougher than this. Real Madrid have been inconsistent in the league this season, but they should be able to seal the three points from this one.
