Image Source: BBC
La Liga leaders Real Madrid delivered a powerful statement on Wednesday night, defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Kylian Mbappé stole the spotlight with a superb hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior also played decisive roles in a convincing victory.
The result gave Real Madrid two wins from two at the beginning of the Spanish top-flight season. It also marked a triumphant first home match for José Mourinho since returning to the club, with supporters celebrating a memorable night in the capital.
Explosive Mbappé hat-trick powers Real Madrid in La Liga
Real Madrid had to work patiently during the opening stages, as Real Sociedad defended in numbers and looked capable of frustrating the hosts. However, the quality of the home attack eventually proved too much.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 40th minute with a brilliant individual finish. His excellent first touch carried him away from a defender inside the penalty area before he drove the ball beyond goalkeeper Álex Remiro.
Real Sociedad responded almost immediately. Just four minutes later, a deflected effort fell kindly for Luka Sučić, who fired into the net to restore parity before half-time. The visitors’ response ensured the match remained finely balanced at the interval.
Madrid found another gear after the restart. In the 60th minute, Bellingham combined neatly with Mbappé, allowing the French forward to place a composed shot beyond Remiro. It was Mbappé’s second goal of the evening and his first match-winning performance at the Bernabéu under Mourinho’s renewed leadership.
Jude Bellingham makes the difference
Bellingham was central to Real Madrid’s strongest moments. His energy, movement and determination repeatedly disrupted Real Sociedad’s defensive shape, and his influence was clear in the third goal.
In the 68th minute, the England midfielder initially saw his shot blocked but refused to give up on the loose ball. He won possession again inside the box and squared for Vinícius Júnior, who finished from close range to make it 3-1.
That goal appeared to settle the contest, but Madrid continued to attack. Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute after running onto a perfectly weighted pass from Vinícius Júnior. The forward kept his composure and chipped the goalkeeper with a stylish finish.
Real Madrid briefly appeared to have scored a fifth through Brahim Díaz late on, but the goal was ruled out for offside following a video assistant referee review. The decision did little to change the mood inside the stadium, where the home crowd celebrated a dominant victory.
Mourinho receives roaring Bernabéu welcome
The atmosphere was electric before kick-off, with supporters eager to see Mourinho back in charge at the ground where he previously delivered three domestic titles. His name was greeted by a huge roar over the stadium loudspeaker, followed by loud chants from the stands.
According to BBC Sport reporter Elizabeth Conway, the anticipation around the Bernabéu was palpable. She reported that fans believe Mourinho can restore success to the club, while the manager himself has acknowledged that a trophyless campaign would represent failure.
Mourinho began his second spell with a 2-1 away victory against Espanyol. The success over Real Sociedad was more emphatic and offered early evidence that his side can combine attacking brilliance with control in midfield.
Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinícius were all outstanding, giving supporters plenty of reasons for optimism. Madrid’s passing accuracy reached 91.4%, while the hosts recorded 20 shots, including 11 on target. Real Sociedad managed 10 attempts and only three shots on target.
Real Madrid move top as Sociedad struggle
Real Madrid now sit first in the early La Liga table with six points from two matches. They have scored six goals and conceded two, making an impressive start under Mourinho.
Real Sociedad, by contrast, remain at the bottom with zero points after two defeats. They have scored once and conceded five, leaving manager Pellegrino Matarazzo with plenty to address before the next fixture.
The result continues Madrid’s strong recent record in this fixture. Their latest victory follows a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in February and a 2-1 away success in September 2025.
There is still a long season ahead, but this result has created genuine excitement around the Bernabéu. With Mbappé already in explosive form and Bellingham providing creativity and relentless pressing, Real Madrid have made an early statement in the Spanish title race.
Frequently asked questions
What was the Real Madrid versus Real Sociedad score?
Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday, 26 August 2026.
Who scored for Real Madrid?
Kylian Mbappé scored three goals, while Vinícius Júnior added the other goal for Real Madrid.
Who scored for Real Sociedad?
Luka Sučić scored Real Sociedad’s only goal in the 44th minute.
How many goals has Mbappé scored in the match?
Mbappé scored a hat-trick, finding the net in the 40th, 60th and 80th minutes.
How has José Mourinho started his return?
Mourinho has begun his return with two victories, including a 2-1 win at Espanyol and the 4-1 home triumph over Real Sociedad.
