Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe (C) battles for the ball with Real Sociedad's Jon Gorrotxategi (L) and Igor Zubeldia in a La Liga match at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Spain, September 13, 2025. /VCG
Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe (C) battles for the ball with Real Sociedad's Jon Gorrotxategi (L) and Igor Zubeldia in a La Liga match at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian, Spain, September 13, 2025. /VCG
Real Madrid survived going a man down to claim a 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad, keeping Xabi Alonso's side on top of the table with a perfect record after the first four La Liga matches of the new season. Sociedad, meanwhile, remained winless.
Kylian Mbappe helped Madrid continue their flawless start to the Spanish campaign, scoring one goal and setting up the other in the victory at the Anoeta Stadium on Saturday.
Mbappe showed his killer instinct after just 12 minutes. Taking advantage of a poor backpass from Mikel Goti, the French striker outpaced the opposing defenders and blasted the ball into the net with precision. The goal was his fourth of the season, lifting him to the top of La Liga's scoring chart.
In the 32nd minute, Real Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off for pulling down Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal, leaving the visitors to play the remaining hour with just 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mbappe helped extend Madrid's lead just before halftime, teeing up Arda Guler for a neat finish that sent the away team into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Sociedad reduced the deficit nine minutes into the second half, when Ander Barrenetxea's cross struck the hand of Dani Carvajal. The referee awarded a penalty, which Oyarzabal successfully converted to close the gap to 2-1.
But down the stretch, Duje Caleta-Car and Sergio Gomez failed to capitalize on a string of scoring opportunities for the home side. Real Madrid held on for a 2-1 victory, maintaining their spot on top of La Liga.