Mbappe treble helps Real Madrid overcome Real Sociedad on Jose Mourinho’s Bernabeu return

Kylian Mbappe scored three times as Real Madrid began their LaLiga home campaign with a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The France forward opened the scoring in the 40th minute, although Luka Sucic equalised four minutes later. Mbappe put the hosts back in front shortly after the hour mark, before Vinicius Junior extended Real Madrid’s advantage in the 68th minute. Mbappe completed his hat-trick 10 minutes from full-time.

The result also gave Jose Mourinho a winning return to the Santiago Bernabeu, more than 13 years after his previous home match in charge of Real Madrid. His side endured an uneven first half but produced a far more decisive performance after the interval.

Real Madrid were booed by their own supporters before half-time after a slow and disjointed start. They struggled to establish a rhythm, gave the ball away carelessly and looked exposed whenever Real Sociedad broke forward.

“There’s always a sense of justice in the boos and the applause, and the odd boo now and then doesn’t do anyone any harm it helps you grow,” Mourinho told a press conference.

“We all know the Santiago Bernabeu and just how demanding the fans are there and I’m very pleased with how my players responded under pressure and put in a great second half, in which we could even have scored more goals.”

Real Sociedad created the more dangerous opportunities during the opening stages. Takefusa Kubo intercepted a misplaced pass close to the edge of the penalty area in the 10th minute and played in Mikel Oyarzabal, but Thibaut Courtois blocked the forward’s effort from close range.

The visitors threatened again in the 34th minute when Sergio Gomez sent a well-struck volley narrowly beyond the far post. With Real Madrid unable to impose themselves, the Bernabeu crowd began to express its frustration.

Mbappe provided a moment of individual brilliance shortly before the break. Federico Valverde received possession beyond the halfway line and pierced the Sociedad defence with an excellent pass. Mbappe raced into the penalty area, shifted the ball on to his left foot and fired into the top corner.

However, Real Madrid’s defensive problems resurfaced almost immediately. Job Ochieng collected a long ball after Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Alvaro Carreras were caught out. His effort took a deflection and ran to Sucic on the right, allowing the midfielder time to set himself before driving a low shot past Courtois.

Mourinho introduced Marc Cucurella at half-time and Real Madrid returned with greater urgency. Vinicius Junior and Mbappe repeatedly attacked in behind, while the home side played with considerably more intensity.

The hosts regained the lead in the 60th minute. Mbappe exchanged a quick one-two with Jude Bellingham inside the area, broke clear and calmly beat Alex Remiro with a low finish.

Bellingham then helped create Real Madrid’s third eight minutes later, winning possession near the byline with his pressing. His low delivery reached Vinicius Junior, who had the straightforward task of converting from close range.

Mbappe completed his treble in the 80th minute. Vinicius Junior found him with a clever pass behind the defence, and the forward showed composure to lift the ball over Remiro and secure a convincing opening home win.