Real Madrid announced their return to the Santiago Bernabéu with an emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Wednesday night, with Kylian Mbappé producing a brilliant hat trick and Vinícius Júnior also getting on the scoresheet.
The result gave Madrid another important three points and provided José Mourinho with a memorable homecoming as he returned to the Bernabéu as Real Madrid manager. The Portuguese coach had been away from the club for more than 13 years, making the occasion even more special for the home supporters.
Real Madrid did not have everything their own way in the opening stages, however. Real Sociedad showed plenty of courage and created problems for the home side, with Takefusa Kubo, Mikel Oyarzabal and Sergio Gómez among the visitors’ players who threatened the Madrid defence.
The hosts also had their opportunities. Vinícius came close to opening the scoring before goalkeeper Álex Remiro produced an important save to deny the Brazilian.
Madrid eventually found the breakthrough in the 40th minute, and it was Mbappé who delivered. Federico Valverde picked out the French forward with a clever pass, allowing Mbappé to cut inside his marker before unleashing a powerful left footed finish beyond Remiro.
The Bernabéu erupted, but Madrid’s lead lasted only a few minutes.
Real Sociedad responded in the 44th minute when Luka Sučić found the equaliser. Madrid’s defence failed to deal with the visitors’ attack effectively, allowing Sučić to take advantage and send the ball past Thibaut Courtois.
The 1-1 scoreline at halftime suggested that the second half could become a difficult test for Mourinho’s side.
Instead, Real Madrid came out after the break with a completely different level of intensity.
Mourinho’s changes and tactical adjustments helped Madrid gain greater control of the game, while the combination of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham began to cause serious problems for Real Sociedad.
Mbappé restored Madrid’s lead in the 60th minute. The Frenchman exchanged a quick one two with Bellingham inside the penalty area before keeping his composure to beat Remiro with a low finish.
It was Mbappé’s second goal of the night, and it shifted the momentum firmly in Madrid’s favour.
Eight minutes later, Vinícius Júnior joined the party.
Bellingham produced another outstanding piece of work inside the box, winning possession before finding Vinícius, who was in the right position to finish and make it 3-1.
The goal highlighted the growing understanding between Madrid’s attacking stars. Bellingham’s ability to create opportunities from midfield, Vinícius’ pace and Mbappé’s movement gave Real Sociedad very little room to breathe.
With Madrid firmly in control, Mbappé was not finished.
The French striker completed his hat trick in the 80th minute after receiving a brilliant pass from Vinícius. Mbappé showed remarkable composure, lifting the ball over the advancing Remiro to complete a memorable individual performance.
The goal made it 4-1 and effectively ended any hope of a Real Sociedad comeback.
Mbappé’s three goals made him the clear star of the evening, while Vinícius finished with a goal and an assist. Bellingham also played a major role, providing two assists and helping Madrid take control of the contest after halftime.
Real Sociedad had started the match competitively and managed to expose some weaknesses in Madrid’s defence, but their resistance disappeared once Mbappé restored Madrid’s lead.
The final scoreline reflected Madrid’s dominance after the interval. The hosts created more danger, attacked with greater purpose and punished Sociedad whenever openings appeared.
For Mourinho, the victory could hardly have been more satisfying. Returning to the Bernabéu and watching his team score four goals in front of the Madrid faithful provided an early indication of what supporters can expect from his second spell in charge.
The result also strengthened Madrid’s start to the new LaLiga campaign, with the club moving to six points from two matches. Real Sociedad, meanwhile, suffered their second defeat of the campaign.
The goal scorers were Kylian Mbappé in the 40th, 60th and 80th minutes, Vinícius Júnior in the 68th minute for Real Madrid, while Luka Sučić scored Real Sociedad’s only goal in the 44th minute.
For Madrid, the biggest takeaway from the night was the attacking connection between Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham. If the trio continues to perform at this level, opponents could face a difficult season whenever they come up against the Spanish giants.
Mbappé’s hat trick was the headline, but the performance was about more than one player. Madrid showed character after conceding an equaliser, increased their intensity after the break and eventually turned a competitive contest into a convincing 4-1 victory.
The Bernabéu had waited a long time for Mourinho’s return, and the night ended with exactly the kind of result Madrid supporters wanted: four goals, three points and another spectacular performance from Mbappé.
