After Real Madrid defeated Celta Vigo 3–2 away, they smoothly advanced to the Champions League semifinals.
According to the schedule bracket, Real Madrid's opponent this time was Alavés.
After enduring hard-fought battles and the tempering of a grueling schedule, Real Madrid's form had gradually begun to improve.
On the evening of January 29, Real Madrid hosted Real Sociedad at Bernabéu Stadium.
In the thirty-eighth minute, Yang Yang took advantage of a quick counterattack. After dropping back to receive a midfield pass, he combined with the advancing De Bruyne in a series of one-twos, then sent a through ball. The Belgian midfielder burst into the right side of the penalty area and scored with a low shot, giving Real Madrid the lead.
After the halftime changeover, De Bruyne returned the favor with a razor-sharp through ball that tore open Real Sociedad's defense. Yang Yang beat the offside trap, went one-on-one, and chipped the ball into the net, extending Real Madrid's lead.
In the eighty-second minute, Yang Yang and Danilo combined in a give-and-go during a counterattack. Di Maria crossed from the right side of the penalty area, and substitute Morata headed the ball into the net to seal the victory for Real Madrid, making it 3–0.
Then, in the eighty-ninth minute, Asensio, also brought on as a substitute, shook off a defender and passed the ball. Isco sent a diagonal ball into the box from the right, and Yang Yang easily found space before scoring with a low shot to complete his brace.
Four–nil!
In the end, Real Madrid comfortably defeated Real Sociedad 4–0 at home, powered by Yang Yang's brace.
On one hand, Real Madrid's form was recovering. On the other, their competitors were falling away one after another.
Sevilla, second in La Liga, visited Espanyol in this round