Real Madrid's goalkeeper Tibaut Courtois (R) defends during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 6, 2019. Real Madrid lost 0-2. (Xinhua/Guo Qiuda)
MADRID, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid's crisis got deeper on Sunday when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Real Sociedad.
Madrid went into the game seven points behind Barcelona and although Sergio Ramos presented the Club World Cup that they won at the end of December to the 53,000 fans in the Bernabeu before the game, there was already the feeling that this was a make or break game for Madrid in the wake of their 2-2 draw away to Villarreal on Thursday.
The visitors had Imanol Alcuacil making his return as coach after replacing Asier Garitano just before Christmas and they took the lead in the 3rd minute when Willian Jose scored from the penalty spot following a clear foul by Casemiro on Mikel Merino.
Madrid got on top after that with Vinicius Jr, who was given a start ahead of Isco, appearing to be their most dangerous player.
The home side asked for a penalty when Sergio Ramos fell theatrically when jumping for a cross, but the referee ruled that the defender had exaggerated a slight contact.
The second half was an open affair but Madrid were reduced to 10 men when Lucas Vazquez was shown a second yellow card on the hour after his second bad foul of the game.
The home fans were further angered at the referee shortly afterwards when Vinicius went down after a challenge from Geronimo Rulli in the Real Sociedad goal, but once again no penalty was given.
With Madrid down to 10 men and looking to equalize, they left increasing amounts of space at the back and the visitors wasted a couple of good counter-attacks before Ruben Pardo sealed the win with a header eight minutes from time.
Santiago Solari may have led the team to the World Club Cup, but the poor start to the year could mean he is very much on borrowed time, especially with Jose Mourinho currently out of a job.
