Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior delivered an outstanding performance, securing José Mourinho's first home victory since his return to the Santiago Bernabéu. Mbappé scored three goals, which helped Real Madrid achieve a convincing 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in La Liga, in the coach's first home match.
Mourinho's team achieved its second success out of two, while Jude Bellingham provided two assists, as the star trio defeated the Basque guests. Veteran Portuguese coach Mourinho decided to use the same lineup that secured a late 2-1 win against Espanyol in his debut match last week.
Mourinho noted that assembling three of the most famous players in one team is difficult, but this match showed that he is moving in the right direction. He highly praised Mbappé, calling him 'incredible,' and emphasized that he sees a strong desire in him to make history with Real Madrid, while also commenting on the overall team play.
Stars demonstrated mastery
Early in the game, Vinícius shot wide, and Alex Remiro saved a low shot from Mbappé near his post. On the other hand, Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made a smart save of a shot by Mikel Oyarzabal. Remiro was forced to act again to stop Vinícius after Mbappé beat the Brazilian. Sergio Gómez from Real took a volley that almost hit the far corner of Courtois' goal.
Five minutes before halftime, Madrid scored the first goal: Federico Valverde passed to Mbappé. The French forward, who has been the top scorer in La Liga for the last two seasons, skillfully evaded a defender and scored into the top corner of the net, opening his campaign. Captain Valverde stated in an interview with 'Real Madrid TV': 'This spectacle, it's incredible (to have Mbappé), we must enjoy Mbappé and use him as much as possible.' He added: 'We should give him a thousand balls so he feels comfortable, he can score goals, and he will be happy.'
However, Los Blancos could not maintain the lead until halftime, conceding a reply goal from last season's Copa del Rey winners. Ochagüe tried to hold the ball, but his shot was blocked, after which the ball perfectly reached Luka Sucic, who scored from a flick-on by Álvaro Carrascas.
Valverde explained that Madrid adjusted its pressing approach in the second half, and this paid off. The Uruguayan midfielder explained: 'It was hard for us to get the ball back in their half... We adjusted it, and in the second half we felt much more comfortable.'
Arda Güler joined Mbappé, whom Remiro saved early in the second half, but the Spanish goalkeeper could do nothing with the next shot from the former Paris Saint-Germain star. A neat combination involving Valverde, followed by Bellingham, led to Bellingham passing to Mbappé, who calmly sent the ball into the net. Vinícius scored the third goal for Madrid, who had been quiet until then, and Bellingham's persistence helped him. The Englishman's shot was blocked, but he did not give up, returning the ball into the Real Sociedad penalty area and giving it to Vinícius for an easy finish.
The Brazilian, energized by his goal, set up a perfect pass for Mbappé, who sent the ball past Remiro—it was the best moment among all the goals. Vinícius, who was substituted seven minutes before the end for Madrid's record signing Jan Diodmand, hugged Mourinho after leaving the field, as the task was accomplished.
Madrid's previous season began to decline when Vinícius expressed anger after his substitution for Fabián Alonso during the El Clásico match against Barcelona in October, but the forward, who recently extended his contract with the club until 2032, looked pleased. Satisfied, Mourinho stated: 'I liked everything, and you can say the second half was good, and the first was not, but I liked the team even when they played poorly.' He added: 'I am very glad that the players are satisfied, won at home, are smiling, and tomorrow is training because on Sunday we are going to Málaga.'
On Thursday, Spanish champions Barcelona will host Athletic Bilbao, where new player Rodri is ready to debut for Hansi Flick's team from the bench.