Real Madrid extended their unbeaten La Liga streak to 37 after a rather comfortable 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena.
Brahim Díaz received a start on the right wing instead of Rodrygo, with the rest of the lineup as expected. The Moroccan had a bright start to the game but ultimately had to be substituted in the 25th minute for Rodrygo, due to discomfort in his adductor.
Kylian Mbappe made some good runs and tried his luck at goal twice in the opening 45 minutes, but was denied by the goalkeeper first and the second shot was just wide of the goal.
However, it was Real Sociedad who ended up having the best chances in the first half with both of them hitting the post and the crossbar, respectively.
The 2nd half began on a similar note with the Real Sociedad midfielder Luka Sučić’s close-ranged shot hitting the post and keeping the scoreline at 0-0.
Real Madrid went on to receive a penalty in the 58th minute after Arda Güler’s thunderous strike at goal was stopped due to a handball by Sergio Gómez. Vinícius Júnior scored from the spot to finally break the shackles and put the Merengues into the lead.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side put on a much better display in the 2nd half as they earned another penalty 14 minutes later after a late tackle on Vinicius inside the box by Jon Aramburu. This time it was Kylian Mbappe who took the penalty and made no mistake whatsoever to put the game to bed, scoring his third goal in La Liga.
Real Sociedad were unable to recover and perhaps not being clinical in front of goal came to haunt them, which resulted in their third defeat of the season – all at home.
On the other hand, it was clearly not the best of games played by Real Madrid and Ancelotti even went on to admit that maybe his side did not even deserve to win. Thibaut Courtois also felt the same, but an improved performance in the 2nd half helped Los Blancos claim a victory.
Real Madrid now play their next three games at home, with the first of them being against VfB Stuttgart, as the Merengues look to kickstart their Champions League campaign in style.
