Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: Kylian Mbappe scores hat-trick in La Liga opener

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid began their La Liga campaign with a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad.

The France striker opened the scoring after Federico Valverde’s excellent individual run created the opportunity. Mbappe collected the pass inside the penalty area and fired into the right side of the net.

Real Sociedad responded before half-time through Luka Sucic, who followed up after a shot from Jobe Bellingham was blocked. Sucic’s second attempt from inside the box found the right corner to make it 1-1.

Real Madrid regained control after the interval, with Mbappe restoring their lead through a well-worked exchange with Jude Bellingham. The England international combined with Mbappe in a sharp attacking move before the forward finished low into the left side of the goal.

Vinicius Junior then extended the visitors’ advantage after Bellingham won possession with persistent pressing and played the ball across from inside the area. Vinicius Junior had the simple task of finishing into an unguarded net.

Mbappe completed his hat-trick for Real Madrid’s fourth goal. Vinicius Junior sent a superb pass behind the Real Sociedad defence and Mbappe lifted his finish over goalkeeper Alex Remiro and into the left side of the goal.

The result followed a goalless opening half-hour, during which Real Madrid held 55% possession compared with Real Sociedad’s 45%. The home side’s early pressure was met by an organised defence, while Real Madrid circulated the ball in midfield without creating a clear opening.

Mikel Oyarzabal tested Thibaut Courtois from inside the area, but the Real Madrid goalkeeper made an impressive save and turned the effort behind. Jon Aramburu also tried from distance, although his attempt went over the crossbar. Kylian Mbappe had an effort saved by Alex Remiro, while Vinicius Junior struck wide.

Real Sociedad threatened from set pieces, with Sergio Gomez and Luka Sucic delivering corners that were dealt with by the Real Madrid defence. Sergio Gomez also sent a shot just wide after a free-kick had been awarded for Jude Bellingham’s foul.

Arda Guler was involved in several Real Madrid corner routines. One short corner ended with his effort from the edge of the box safely gathered by Remiro, while another delivery was headed over by Dean Huijsen. Mbappe also had another close-range effort saved by the Real Sociedad goalkeeper.

There were yellow cards for Alvaro Carreras, Yangel Herrera, Jon Aramburu, Luka Petia and Ibrahima Konate. Real Madrid made a first, second and third substitution, while Real Sociedad made several changes, including a fifth substitution.

Real Madrid finished with 18 attempts to Real Sociedad’s 10, having led 14-5 at an earlier stage of the match. Their attacking quality ultimately proved decisive, with Mbappe’s finishing and the creativity of Bellingham, Valverde and Vinicius Junior turning a competitive contest into a convincing opening-day win.