Real Madrid put on a strong display at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday night, beating Real Sociedad 4-1 and moving provisionally to the top of La Liga. It was their eighth league win in a row.- Watch the Highlights
Even with Kylian Mbappé rested because of a minor issue, and Jude Bellingham missing with a hamstring problem, Carlo Ancelotti’s side kept their level high and played with pace and purpose.
As a result, Real Sociedad’s 11-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to an end. Madrid, meanwhile, looked sharp again in the 2025/26 La Liga season. Vinícius Júnior led the way with two penalty goals, while Gonzalo García and Federico Valverde also found the net.
Match Highlights: Fast Start, Quick Reply, Then Madrid Pull Away
Madrid set the tone right away. After five minutes, Trent Alexander-Arnold, in his first start in more than two months, swung in a measured cross. Gonzalo García met it at close range and guided a right-footed finish into the bottom-left corner for 1-0.
However, Real Sociedad hit back. In the 21st minute, Dean Huijsen brought down Yangel Herrera in the box, and the referee pointed to the spot. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal stepped up and drove his penalty high down the middle, beating Thibaut Courtois to make it 1-1.
That level score didn’t last long. Four minutes later, Vinícius won a penalty after a challenge caught him inside the area. He stayed calm and rolled his kick straight down the center, sending the keeper the wrong way for 2-1.
From there, Madrid took control. In 31 minutes, Federico Valverde struck from the edge of the box, curling the ball into the top corner for 3-1. It was his first goal of the season, and it lit up the Bernabéu.
Madrid picked up where they left off after halftime. In the 48th minute, Vinícius earned another penalty when Aramburu brought him down. This time, he placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to complete his brace and make it 4-1.
Madrid had chances to add more, with García among those getting openings. Still, the four goals matched their control. Courtois also made key saves in open play, while the midfield kept Madrid in charge for most of the night.
Real Madrid Player Performance Table
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thibaut Courtois | Goalkeeper | Important saves, no chance on penalty | 7 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | Right-back | Assist for opener, strong return | 8 |
| Dean Huijsen | Defender | Gave away a penalty, settled after | 6 |
| Vinícius Júnior | Forward | 2 goals (pens), won both penalties | 9 (Man of the Match) |
| Gonzalo García | Forward | Early goal, steady threat | 8 |
| Federico Valverde | Midfielder | Long-range goal, ran midfield | 8 |
| Team Overall | – | Controlled the game with pressing and possession | – |
Real Sociedad Player Performance Table
| Player | Position | Key Contribution | Rating (Out of 10) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mikel Oyarzabal | Forward | Penalty goal, led the response | 7 |
| Yangel Herrera | Midfielder | Won the first penalty | 6 |
| Alex Aramburu | Defender | Conceded the second penalty | 5 |
| Goalkeeper | Goalkeeper | Little chance of most goals | 6 |
| Team Overall | – | Briefly level, then overrun. | – |
What It Means: Madrid Push On in Title Race
With this win, Real Madrid extends their streak and moves two points clear of Barcelona, who play Girona on Monday. Just as important, the performance showed Madrid can keep rolling even without key names in the lineup, with Vinícius taking charge in the final third.
Real Sociedad will stay in the mix, but they’ll be frustrated by the mistakes that gave Madrid two penalties and too much space around the box.
After the match, Ancelotti praised the team’s approach: “We dominated from start to finish. The goals could have been more, but this is an important step.” La Liga is tightening up, and Madrid’s form keeps sending the same message. They look ready for a serious title run.
