When the referee blew for full-time at Anoeta, Real Madrid players fell to the ground with exhaustion and relief. Down to ten men before half an hour had even been played, yet still leaving San Sebastián with all three points — this was a performance that said as much about resilience as it did about talent.
Mbappé sets the tone early
The game began explosively. Real Sociedad, desperate for their first win of the campaign, pressed high and looked sharp. But one error was all it took. In the 12th minute, Mikel Goti miscontrolled under pressure, and Kylian Mbappé pounced. With the composure of a predator who knows the kill is inevitable, he slotted past Remiro to silence the crowd and make it 0-1.
Red card drama changes the script
Just as Madrid seemed to be settling, the match swung wildly. On 31 minutes, Dean Huijsen lunged in recklessly on Mikel Oyarzabal. The referee reached straight for red. Suddenly, Real Madrid were a man down with nearly an hour left to survive.
For a brief spell, Anoeta roared with belief. Sociedad pressed, sensing opportunity. But football rarely runs in straight lines. On the cusp of half-time, Mbappé turned provider. His driving run stretched the defence before sliding the ball across to Arda Güler, who finished calmly for 0-2. A sucker punch.
Sociedad fight back
The Basques weren’t finished. Early in the second half, Dani Carvajal was penalised for handball. Oyarzabal, Sociedad’s heartbeat, stepped up and converted from the spot in the 56th minute. The stadium erupted. At 1-2, with over half an hour to play and Madrid a man down, the game was very much alive.
But if Sociedad had momentum, Thibaut Courtois had other ideas. The Belgian goalkeeper pulled off several sharp stops, commanding his box and frustrating the hosts. Madrid defended deep, legs tiring, yet bodies flying in front of every cross.
A statement victory
When the final whistle came, it was relief and celebration in white. Xabi Alonso’s men maintain a perfect record — 12 points from 12 after four matches — and more importantly, proved they can grind out results under pressure.
Mbappé, of course, will take the headlines: one goal, one assist, and the difference-maker yet again. But this was also about grit — Nacho marshalling the backline, Valverde running himself into the ground, Courtois unyielding.
Real Sociedad, meanwhile, were left ruing missed chances. They now sit precariously near the bottom with just two points from four games, and questions about how long patience will last before pressure builds on Imanol Alguacil.
Key Match Facts
- Score: Real Sociedad 1-2 Real Madrid
- Goals: Mbappé (12’), Güler (45+), Oyarzabal (56’ pen)
- Red Card: Dean Huijsen (Real Madrid, 31’)
- Player of the Match: Kylian Mbappé
For full match statistics and standings, visit the LaLiga official site.
“With this win, Los Blancos continue their perfect start to the campaign. The result keeps them top of the standings, as shown in the LaLiga official site. For fans wanting in-depth post-match comments, check the Real Madrid official site and Real Sociedad official site.”
