Real Madrid returned to the top of LaLiga with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Sunday evening.
Madrid recalled Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos from the win over Getafe CF, with Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga dropping to the bench, while Sociedad were unchanged following their 5-2 win over Granada CF.
Forward Ander Barrenetxea got the visitors ahead on five minutes through a persistent close-range finish after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga battled to parry the attempt.
Sociedad looked to have gone two goals up minutes later with a curling strike outside the area by Takefusa Kubo, but it was brought back as Mikel Oyarzabal obstructed the view of Kepa.
Los Blancos had momentum later on and saw Joselu's looping shot from Dani Carvajal's cutback crept off the crossbar before Rodrygo scuffed the rebound.
Sociedad were on the prowl again following the half-hour mark and saw another deft delivery from Kubo pick out Mikel Merino, who drew a fine save from Kepa with a strong diving header.
Los Blancos came out renewed in the second half and levelled when Valverde charged onto Fran Garcia's pass on the edge the area to send a first-time shot in off the near post.
Madrid went ahead ten minutes apart when Joselu made a giant leap at the back-post to head in a perfectly placed cross from Garcia.
That was the striker's last participation as manager Carlo Ancelotti took him off to bring on Camavinga and furthermore introduced Modric in the place of Tchouameni.
Los Blancos slowed the tempo ahead of full-time before a diving header from Jude Bellingham brought Alex Merino to a superb point-blank save.
Madrid didn't surrender the lead but came away with the win to regain top spot ahead of FC Barcelona, who crushed Real Betis 5-0 on Saturday night.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.