Mbappe strike and Sucic response leave Real Madrid frustrated at the break

Real Madrid were held 1-1 by Real Sociedad at half-time after a dramatic four-minute spell at the end of the opening period in their rearranged La Liga fixture at Santiago Bernabeu.

The hosts finally broke through in the 40th minute after struggling to find a way past a disciplined and well-organised Real Sociedad defence.

Federico Valverde produced an incisive pass between the lines to release Kylian Mbappe inside the penalty area. The France international controlled the ball with a deft touch before firing a powerful left-footed shot into the top-left corner.

The finish sparked huge celebrations around Santiago Bernabeu, with Real Madrid appearing to have gained the psychological advantage before the interval.

However, Real Sociedad responded almost immediately. Just four minutes after Mbappe’s opener, Luka Sucic took advantage of a lapse in the home side’s defending and found space inside the box.

The Croatia midfielder struck a composed effort that Thibaut Courtois could not keep out, restoring parity in the 44th minute and leaving the teams level at the break.

Sucic’s equaliser returned the match to a balanced position and ensured Real Madrid would begin the second half under significant pressure. The result also raised questions over whether Jose Mourinho’s side could go on to secure victory after conceding so quickly following Mbappe’s goal.

The first half had otherwise been shaped by Real Sociedad’s caution and tactical discipline. Real Madrid enjoyed the challenge of trying to unlock the visitors’ defensive structure, but clear openings were limited until Valverde’s decisive pass created the opportunity for Mbappe.

The France forward’s goal was a moment of individual quality, combining a precise first touch with a fierce finish that gave the goalkeeper no chance. Yet Real Sociedad’s immediate answer prevented the hosts from carrying a lead into half-time.

Video footage circulating from the match showed Mbappe opening the scoring for Real Madrid with a superb touch following Valverde’s outstanding pass.

A second clip captured Sucic’s equaliser, with the Real Sociedad player beating Courtois from inside the penalty area to complete an extraordinary sequence at the end of the half.

The fixture is part of the first postponed round of La Liga. With the score level at 1-1, Real Madrid faced the prospect of a demanding second half after seeing their advantage disappear within four minutes.

Supporters were also invited to discuss the match and other football news in the Kooora forums.