Arda Güler
Mbappe stars as 10-man Real Madrid secure hard-fought victory over Sociedad
Kylian Mbappé once again showcased his class, leading Real Madrid to a hard-fought victory against the odds.
Playing with 10 men for over 60 minutes, Los Blancos pulled off a gritty 2–1 win over Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, thanks to a goal and an assist from the French superstar.
The victory maintained Real Madrid’s flawless start to the La Liga season. They have earned a perfect 12 points from their first four matches, topping the table as Xabi Alonso’s side chases the league crown.
Returning from the international break, Kylian Mbappe proved decisive yet again. The French star opened the scoring and later set up Arda Güler for Madrid’s second goal, while Mikel Oyarzabal netted Sociedad’s lone goal.
Madrid struck in just the second minute of the match when Güler found the net, but Mbappe was ruled offside in the build-up. Ten minutes later, the French star ledReturning from the international break, Kylian Mbappe proved decisive yet again. his team with a bullet shot, his fourth goal of the campaign.
In the 32nd minute, Real Madrid’s rhythm was cooled down when young defender Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card for hauling down last man Mikel Oyarzabal from behind. Madrid’s protests for a VAR review were waved away, leaving Alonso fuming on the touchline and earning him a yellow card. It was the 20-year-old Spain international’s second red card in just eight appearances for his club.
Despite the setback, Madrid extended their lead a minute before halftime. Mbappe once again dazzled, this time down the left flank. He skipped past a defender and cut the ball back for Güler, who controlled it well and finished from close range.
Sociedad piled on the pressure after the break. Pablo Marín’s deflected strike hit both posts before rolling clear, and in the 55th minute, Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Dani Carvajal was penalized for a handball in the box. Oyarzabal came close again in the 65th minute but was denied by a sharp save from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper rescued Madrid once more in the 84th minute with another crucial stop from the Sociedad captain.
Sociedad dominated possession with nearly 64 percent of the ball and fired 23 shots, but only four tested Courtois. In contrast, Madrid was more clinical, registering six shots on target from 16 attempts.
The result leaves Sociedad languishing in 17th place with just two points from four matches, while Real Madrid continues to set the pace at the top. Their next league match will be played next Saturday against Catalan side Espanyol. Before that, Alonso’s team will host Ligue 1 club Olympique Marseille at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday.
2 months ago