Trent Alexander-Arnold assist helps Real Madrid move top of La Liga but Federico Valverde says fans 'have every right to boo' after indifferent form

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Trent Alexander-Arnold made an immediate impact on his first start in more than two months, registering an assist as Real Madrid swept past Real Sociedad 4-1 to climb to the summit of La Liga. Vinicius Junior scored twice but, despite the emphatic scoreline, the victory did little to appease sections of the Bernabeu faithful, with Alvaro Arbeloa's side still subjected to jeers on Saturday night.

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Trent Alexander-Arnold marked his first start in more than two months with an assist as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 to move top of La Liga, but it did not spare Alvaro Arbeloa's side from being jeered again by a section of the Bernabeu crowd on Saturday night.

Alexander-Arnold, sidelined throughout December and January with a thigh injury, set the hosts on their way to an eighth successive league victory when he delivered a cross for Gonzalo Garcia to prod home after five minutes.

Mikel Oyarzabal equalized from the penalty spot 16 minutes later after Dean Huijsen was adjudged to have fouled Yangel Herrera.

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However, Real Madrid restored their advantage in the 25th minute through a Vinicius Junior penalty. After being brought down by defender Jon Aramburu, the Brazilian stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner.

Federico Valverde extended the hosts’ lead six minutes later, rifling a superb strike beyond Alex Remiro.

In the second half, Vinicius converted from the spot again to take his tally to 10 goals for the season and move Madrid two points clear of Barcelona, who face Girona on Monday.

But it remains clear that some sections of the Madrid fanbase are still dissatisfied.

January's defeat against Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup was followed by a shock exit in the Copa del Rey by second-tier side Albacete.

Against Levante last month, thousands of fans booed and whistled their own players and there were even chants calling for president Florentino Perez to resign.

Speaking to reporters on Saturday night, Valverde was asked about the atmosphere inside the stadium, responding: "Bernabeu boos? They have every right to receive us this way.

"There are times where we need them to put a little pressure on us. Can we win the Champions League? If I said no, it would be a disgrace on my part as captain of Real Madrid.

"The locker room has always been united. When you win everything it’s easier, there are fewer arguments."

Vinicius Jr tucks away his penalty to extend Real's lead on Saturday

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Arbeloa: We're lucky to have a player like Trent

England international Alexander-Arnold is looking to kick-start his career in the Spanish capital and Arbeloa was impressed by how the 27-year-old handled the occasion, having last featured from the start on December 3 in the 2-0 win at Valencia.

"I won’t say he surprised me, but he seems like a very intelligent lad who understands the game very well and quickly grasps what we want from him," Arbeloa said. "He's not your typical full-back who's always going to be wide, he can also play centrally.

Federico Valverde curls in Madrid's third against Sociedad

Image credit: Getty Images

"We’re lucky to have a player like that. With Gonzalo in the box, he could look for crosses. He's a great player. I’m not going to discover that now.

"I'm happy that he continues to get playing time, find his rhythm, and keep getting back to his best form.

"It’s been a very pleasant surprise to see how he understands the game, how he sees the spaces.

"Things that are very important for a coach: having players who understand what’s wanted. Not just the passing to get the team running but to implement everything we want from him."

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