Real Madrid produced a dominant second-half display to beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick and Vinícius Júnior adding another goal.
The victory gave José Mourinho’s Real Madrid an impressive first home win of the 2026/27 La Liga campaign and put the Spanish giants at the top of the table, at least temporarily.
Real Sociedad managed to stay in the contest for much of the first half, with Luka Sučić cancelling out Mbappé’s opener. But Madrid took complete control after the interval, scoring three more times to secure a convincing victory.
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: Match Result
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad
Competition: La Liga
Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid
Date: August 26, 2026
Manager: José Mourinho
Result: Real Madrid win
Goals
- 40′ — Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid 1-0
- 45′ — Luka Sučić — Real Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad
- 59′ — Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid 2-1
- 68′ — Vinícius Júnior — Real Madrid 3-1
- 80′ — Kylian Mbappé — Real Madrid 4-1
Mbappé’s hat-trick was the headline moment, while Vinícius also played a major role in Madrid’s attacking performance.
Mbappé Opens the Scoring
Real Madrid had to wait until the 40th minute to break the deadlock.
Kylian Mbappé produced the moment Madrid needed, putting the hosts ahead before halftime.
The goal gave Mourinho’s side a deserved advantage after Madrid had gradually taken control of the attacking momentum.
Mbappé’s importance to the team was immediately obvious.
The French forward had already been one of the biggest attacking threats in European football, and his performance against Real Sociedad showed why Madrid continue to rely heavily on him for goals.
Real Sociedad Hit Back Through Sučić
Real Sociedad refused to collapse after falling behind.
The visitors found an equalizer before halftime through Luka Sučić, who finished from a rebound following an effort from Ochieng.
That changed the complexion of the game.
Instead of Madrid going into the break with a one-goal advantage, the teams entered halftime level at 1-1. (El País)
Real Sociedad therefore still had a realistic chance of taking something from the match.
That changed dramatically after the restart.
Mbappé Restores Real Madrid’s Lead
Mbappé struck again in the 59th minute.
The Frenchman completed his second goal of the night to put Madrid back in front.
This time, however, Real Sociedad struggled to respond.
Madrid began finding more space in attack, while the visitors found it increasingly difficult to contain the movement of Mbappé and Vinícius.
The 2-1 scoreline soon became 3-1.
Vinícius Júnior Makes It 3-1
Vinícius Júnior extended Madrid’s advantage in the 68th minute.
The Brazilian finished after a move involving Jude Bellingham, whose pressing helped Madrid win the ball and create the opportunity.
The goal effectively changed the match from a competitive contest into a comfortable Real Madrid victory.
Vinícius had already been involved in several dangerous attacking moves, and his goal provided another reminder of the threat Madrid possess when he and Mbappé combine.
Mbappé Completes His Hat-Trick
The best moment of the night came in the 80th minute.
Mbappé completed his hat-trick with a clever chipped finish after receiving the ball from Vinícius.
It was the perfect way to cap an outstanding individual performance.
The Frenchman finished the night with three goals, while Madrid ended the game as 4-1 winners.
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: How the Match Unfolded
First Half
The opening period was relatively balanced, with Real Sociedad showing that they were not prepared to simply sit back at the Bernabéu.
Madrid eventually found the breakthrough through Mbappé in the 40th minute.
But the visitors responded before halftime when Sučić equalized.
Half-time score: Real Madrid 1-1 Real Sociedad.
Second Half
The second half was completely different.
Madrid increased the pressure and began creating more dangerous opportunities.
Mbappé restored the lead in the 59th minute before Vinícius made it 3-1 nine minutes later.
Mbappé then completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute.
Full-time: Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad.
Mbappé Steals the Spotlight
There was little doubt about the player of the match.
Kylian Mbappé was the star.
His three goals demonstrated his finishing ability and his importance to Mourinho’s attack.
The hat-trick also moved him to 89 goals for Real Madrid, according to analysis from Managing Madrid. It was reportedly his 10th goal against Real Sociedad.
For a player already expected to lead Madrid’s attack, this was another significant statement.
Vinícius Júnior Also Impresses
Mbappé’s hat-trick understandably dominated the headlines, but Vinícius was also instrumental.
The Brazilian scored Madrid’s third goal and assisted Mbappé’s final goal.
His combination with Mbappé gives Mourinho two exceptionally dangerous attacking players capable of creating chances individually or combining with one another.
That partnership could become one of the defining features of Madrid’s season.
Jude Bellingham’s Influence
Jude Bellingham also played an important role.
The England midfielder contributed two assists during the match and was heavily involved in Madrid’s attacking play.
His involvement was particularly important because Madrid did not rely solely on Mbappé and Vinícius to create chances.
Bellingham’s ability to move between midfield and attack gives Mourinho another way to break down defensive teams.
Mourinho’s Return to the Bernabéu Gets Another Boost
The victory was also significant because it came during José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
Mourinho returned to the Santiago Bernabéu as Madrid’s manager more than 13 years after his first spell at the club ended.
His return has attracted enormous attention, given his previous success with the club.
After Madrid’s narrow victory over Espanyol in their previous league outing, the 4-1 win against Real Sociedad offered a much more convincing performance.
What the Result Means for Real Madrid
The victory puts Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table with six points from two matches, although their position remains dependent on other results.
More importantly, Madrid demonstrated significant attacking quality.
They scored four goals despite Real Sociedad managing to make the match competitive during the first half.
The performance suggests Mourinho has plenty of attacking weapons to work with.
What Went Wrong for Real Sociedad?
Real Sociedad showed promise during the opening period but struggled badly once Madrid increased the intensity.
The biggest problem was defensive.
After Sučić’s equalizer, Sociedad were unable to prevent Madrid from creating repeated attacking opportunities.
The visitors also struggled to contain Mbappé.
Once the Frenchman scored his second goal, Madrid appeared to have control of the match.
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: Key Talking Points
1. Mbappé Is Already Firing
Three goals in one game is a powerful statement.
Mbappé remains one of Madrid’s biggest weapons.
2. Vinícius and Mbappé Can Be Dangerous Together
The pair combined for Madrid’s fourth goal, showing how dangerous they can become when given space.
3. Bellingham Remains Important
His creativity and pressing added another dimension to Madrid’s attack.
4. Mourinho Has Made a Strong Home Start
A 4-1 victory at the Bernabéu is exactly the kind of result Mourinho would have wanted during his return.
5. Real Sociedad Could Not Match Madrid’s Second-Half Intensity
The visitors competed well before halftime but were overwhelmed after the break.
Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad: Final Verdict
Real Madrid deserved the victory.
Real Sociedad made the first half competitive and briefly responded after Mbappé’s opener.
But once Madrid regained the lead in the second half, the game quickly moved beyond the visitors.
Mbappé’s hat-trick was the obvious headline, while Vinícius and Bellingham also demonstrated why Madrid possess one of the most dangerous attacking groups in La Liga.
For Mourinho, it was an ideal night at the Bernabéu.
For Real Sociedad, the second-half collapse will be the major concern.
And for the rest of La Liga, Madrid’s message is clear:
Mourinho’s Real Madrid are already beginning to look dangerous.
