Real Madrid humbled after blowing two-goal lead at Real Sociedad

Real Madrid blew a two-goal lead to fall to a 4-2 defeat at Real Sociedad, who completed a sensational comeback to consign the Galacticos to their first league defeat of the season.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side, who were without Cristiano Ronaldo, should have been out of sight in the first half, with Sergio Ramos and Gareth Bale putting Los Blancos 2-0 up after just 11 minutes. Ramos then struck the bar with a freekick as Real looked to blow Sociedad away.

But Real were made to rue those missed chances, as Sociedad mounted what had looked like the unlikeliest of fight backs. Goals from Inigo Martinez and David Zurutuza restored parity ahead of the break, with the score at 2-2.

The home side used that as a platform after the restart and pressed hard in search of the goal that would see them take the lead.

And Real Sociedad completed the spirited fightback when Zurutuza notched his second and his team’s third, getting to a Xabi Prieto cross to stab in at the near post.

Carlos Vela added the finishing touch on an incredible win, firing high into the net to make it 4-2 and secure a memorable win for Sociedad.

7’ OPENER – The European champions take the lead! Ramos gets a run on his marker and powers Kroos' corner kick into the net.

10’ CROSSBAR – Off the crossbar! Ramos takes the freekick on the edge of the box, getting the shot up and over the wall. But the effort strikes the underside of the bar and away from the goalline.

11’ BALE GOAL – What a goal by Bale! The Welsh winger nutmegs his marker in close quarters and then pokes the ball into the bottom corner.

27’ RAMOS BLOCK – What a block by Ramos! The ball is headed across the box, setting Granero up on the half volley. It looks for all the world to be hitting the net but Ramos throws himself in front of it!

31’ ZUBIKARAI SAVE – What a save by Zubikarai! The Sociedad player has his pocket picked on the edge of the box, with Bale threading through Kroos for the free shot, but the goalkeeper sticks out a leg to save.

36’ SOCIEDAD GOAL – The home side are back in the game! Prieto flicks on a corner at the near post, with Martinez finishing at the back post.

43’ EQUALISER – Oh my word! Zurutuza powers a header into the net after a fizzed cross into the box from De La Bella. Very good goal!

47’ HUGE SAVE – Just past the post from Ramos! Bale plays a wicked delivery into the penalty area, with Zubikarai coming off his line. But he gets nowhere near the ball, with Ramos beating him to it. He's lucky to see the header go wide.

65’ GOAL – The comeback is complete! Prieto gets to the byline and fizzes a cross into the near post for Zurutuza to stab in!

75’ FOURTH GOAL – Sociedad have scored a fourth goal! Vela takes control of an Agirretxe flick on at the back post and smashes the ball into the roof of the net!

85’ KHEDIRA CHANCE – Great chance for Khedira! Bale swings a wicked, curling corner kick into the box, but the delivery is slightly behind the German. Even still, he gets his head to it but directs the effort over the bar.

91’ LAST CHANCE - That's a sitter from Benzema! James' scuffed shot makes its way into the path of the French striker, who turns and shoots at goal from close range. But he somehow manages to strike the outside of the post!

Real Sociedad are the first team to score four league goals at home against Real Madrid with Carlo Ancelotti as coach.

Real Madrid conceded four league goals at Anoeta for the second time in their history, the second since 2003.

Xabi Prieto has been involved in 6 of the Real Sociedad’s last 7 goals against Iker Casillas in La Liga (4 goals, 2 assists).

Of the current La Liga players, only Aritz Aduriz (36) has scored more headed goals than Sergio Ramos (26).

Did Real Madrid spend wisely over the summer? Despite just winning the Champions League, Real Madrid has rebuilt their midfield over the summer. They have James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos to induct into their 4-3-3 system, but should Florentino Perez have focused on strengthening his team’s defence? On the basis of tonight’s performance, certainly.

Xabi Prieto, Real Sociedad - Even when things looked to be going wrong for the home side, the veteran was a composed and calming figure for Real Sociedad. He provided the assist for David Zurutuza’s that completed the comeback and turned in a complete performance, both in defence and attack.

Real Sociedad – Zubikarai 6, De La Bella 6, Martinez 7, Elustondo 5, Zaldua 5, Zurutuza 8, Bergara 6, Granero 6, Prieto 8, Castro 6, Agirretxe 7. Subs – Canales 6, Vela 7, Gonzalez 5.

Real Madrid – Casillas 5, Marcelo 6, Ramos 6, Pepe 5, Carvajal 4, Isco 7, Kroos 5, Modric 5, Bale 6, James 5, Benzema 4. Subs – Khedira 5, Arbeloa 4.