Mbappe’s three-goal masterclass powers Real Madrid past Real Sociedad

Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid produced an emphatic 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

The result came in the opening match of the postponed first round of the Spanish league season, with Mbappe twice putting the hosts ahead before completing his treble in the closing stages. Vinicius Junior also scored for Real Madrid, while Luka Sucic briefly brought Real Sociedad level before half-time.

Real Madrid made a cautious start, although their first opportunity arrived after only two minutes. A long ball from Dean Huijsen was sent towards Denzel Dumfries, but the defender could not reach it.

Real Sociedad then threatened in the 11th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal found space inside the penalty area. His effort was heading towards goal, but Thibaut Courtois made an excellent save to keep Real Madrid level.

The visitors’ defence dealt effectively with several attempts to break through from Mbappe, while Vinicius Junior missed a clear chance in the 20th minute after being picked out by Jude Bellingham. Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro reacted sharply to deny the Brazilian.

Real Sociedad enjoyed a spell of pressure midway through the first half. Ouchiang tried to make progress in the 28th minute but Federico Valverde recovered possession, and the Real Madrid midfielder again intervened five minutes later to cut out a pass intended for Takefusa Kubo.

Luka Sucic came close to opening the scoring in the 34th minute when his first-time strike flew narrowly wide of Courtois’ goal.

Real Madrid finally took the lead six minutes later. Valverde fed Mbappe inside the penalty area and the France forward produced a composed finish beyond Remiro.

Mbappe nearly doubled the advantage in the 43rd minute, but Remiro held his attempt. Real Sociedad responded immediately, equalising a minute later through Sucic. The midfielder reacted quickest after Ouchiang’s effort had rebounded and fired the loose ball into the net to send the teams into the interval level at 1-1.

Mbappe missed another excellent opportunity shortly after the restart. In the 47th minute, Arda Guler played him through on goal, but Remiro stood up bravely and made a superb save with his legs.

Both sides continued to trade attacks, with determined defending preventing further goals until the 57th minute. Two minutes later, Bellingham combined cleverly with Mbappe, who finished from close range to restore Real Madrid’s lead.

Bellingham was involved again in the 68th minute, winning the ball back from the Real Sociedad defence before setting up Vinicius Junior. The Brazilian showed impressive control inside the area and beat Remiro to make it 3-1.

Real Madrid almost added a fourth in the 74th minute when Bellingham found Mbappe, but the Frenchman’s delivery failed to reach Vinicius.

Mbappe completed his hat-trick six minutes later. Vinicius supplied a superb pass, and Mbappe took advantage to score Real Madrid’s fourth and secure a convincing victory.

There was still time for further drama in the 90th minute. Substitute Brahim Diaz appeared to add a fifth after following up a powerful effort from Ispe that Remiro had saved. With the goal unguarded, Diaz finished into the empty net as the home crowd celebrated.

However, the assistant referee raised the flag for offside. The Video Assistant Referee reviewed the incident and confirmed the decision, ruling out Diaz’s goal and denying Real Madrid a fifth goal on a night dominated by Mbappe’s first hat-trick in La Liga this season.