Champs Real toil in goalless opening draw at Sociedad

Real Madrid began the defence of their Spanish title with a tepid 0-0 draw at Real Sociedad on Sunday as Martin Odegaard made his first league start for the reigning champions against his former club.

Madrid are heading into the La Liga season after making no new signings this summer, with president Florentino Perez admitting the club has to be cautious amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Odegaard is the closest thing to a new arrival, the attacking midfielder returning early from his two year loan with Real Sociedad, after he shone for them last season.

But there have been a string of sales, including Gareth Bale, whose move back to Tottenham was confirmed on Saturday, and James Rodriguez, who has already impressed after joining Everton.

Norwegian Odegaard, whose only other league appearance for Madrid came in May 2015, lasted 69 minutes before he was replaced by Casemiro.

“We didn’t get the win. I’m not happy about that, but I’m pleased to play with Real Madrid,” Odegaard told Movistar.

“It’s always a bit difficult at the start but it’s easier for me with all these incredible players I have around me.”

Zinedine Zidane has brushed off suggestions his Real Madrid side could lack freshness this season, with a very familiar XI starting this first game.

One notable omission was Eden Hazard, whose fitness remains unresolved, even after the summer break. Zidane admitted on Saturday he was unsure whether Hazard has recovered from the ankle injury that required him to have surgery earlier this year.

Sergio Ramos, three goals shy of a century for Madrid, watched an acrobatic effort blocked in a quiet first half before Karim Benzema dragged wide of the post after rounding the goalkeeper.

Alexander Isak spurned the best chance when Thibaut Courtois spread his body well to block from the young Swedish striker.

Teenager Ander Barrenetxea side-footed just past the post early in the second half for the hosts while Alex Remiro made comfortable stops from Dani Carvajal and Benzema.

David Silva made his La Liga return after a decade with Manchester City as he took the place of Isak for the final 25 minutes.

“It’s two points lost but we struggled to make chances, particularly in the second half. We had two or three in the first half,” said Zidane.

“We played a good game, especially defensively. We didn’t concede anything but we lacked a bit in attack, and above all, a goal.”

Barcelona do not start their league campaign under new coach Ronald Koeman until next weekend against Villarreal.

Granada lead the table with maximum points after two rounds following Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Alaves.

Real Betis trail on goal difference after beating Real Valladolid 2-0 with a penalty from Nabil Fekir and a William Carvalho goal.

He won the Bundesliga three times before leaving for Barcelona in 2018, where he also won La Liga.

RUBIALES RE-ELECTED: Luis Rubiales was on Monday re-elected president of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) until 2024 in a vote at the Spanish football headquarters near Madrid.

Rubiales was the only candidate after the withdrawal of former Real Madrid and Spain goalkeeper Iker Casillas.

Robiales won with 95 vote in favour, none against and 10 blank ballots.

Rubiales took over the presidency of the RFEF in May, 2018, succeeding Angel Villar, who was removed from his post by the Court of Arbitration for Sport in December 2017.

A lawyer and former player, Rubiales was head of the Spanish players’ union before becoming RFEF president.

He has been embroiled in a battle over the control of the fixture calendar with La Liga and also took the controversial decision to sack Julen Lopetegui as national manager just before the 2018 World Cup.

His term will include next year’s rescheduled Euros and Olympics and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Spain is also campaigning to host the 2030 World Cup in collaboration with Portugal

Agence France-Presse