Real Madrid made it four wins from four at the start of the new La Liga season [with a hard-fought victory over Real Sociedad](https://www.football-espana.net/2025/09/13/real-sociedad-real-madrid-la-liga-report) at the Reale Arena. Here’s how Xabi Alonso’s players fared in Donostia-San Sebastian.
Player ratings
--------------
### Thibaut Courtois – 7
Big performance from the Real Madrid goalkeeper, who had to be at his best to stop La Real from getting an equaliser.
### Dani Carvajal – 6.5
Almost scored in the first half, but also gave away the penalty that allowed the hosts to get back into the game.
### Eder Militao – 7.5
Top performance from the Brazilian defender, who has been excellent since returning from a second ACL injury in two years.
### Dean Huijsen – 5
Perhaps unlucky to be sent off for a last man challenge, but it was a foul that he did not need to make. He’ll now miss next weekend’s match against Espanyol.
### Alvaro Carreras – 7.5
Excellent defensive performance from Carreras, who did very well to nullify the threat down La Real’s right side.
### Aurelien Tchouameni – 7
Did very well filling in at centre-back after Huijsen was sent off, as he continues to be a vitally important player for Real Madrid.
### Dani Ceballos – 7
Good performance from Ceballos, who was given a surprise start in place of Federico Valverde.
### Arda Guler – 8
Excellent display, unlucky to be denied a goal inside two minutes, but he found the back of the net later in the first half. He continues to get better and better under Alonso.
Image via Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
### Brahim Diaz – 6
Quiet afternoon for the Morocco international, who struggled to put his stamp on proceedings.
### Vinicius Junior – 6
The same can be said of Vinicius, who is still struggling to return to his best level. Just the one shot for him, as well as a 50% dribble success rate.
### Kylian Mbappe – 9
The star of the show for Real Madrid, as he has so often been since making the move last summer. Incisive finish for his goal, before a brilliant solo run to set up Guler for Los Blancos’ second.
### Substitutes
### Federico Valverde – 6
Off the pace when he came on, with fatigue possibly playing a part after a long journey in midweek.
### Fran Garcia – 5.5
Peculiar substitute from Alonso, as Garcia also struggled when he came on.
### Raul Asencio – 6
Did okay when he was on, although looked unconvincing at times.
### Trent Alexander-Arnold – 6
Had little to do in the minutes he was on the pitch, but looked solid defensively.
### David Alaba – 6
Little time to make an impact.