Real Madrid extended their unbeaten streak in La Liga to 37 matches with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Saturday. The Spanish champions moved within a point of league leaders Barcelona, who face Girona on Sunday.
Despite missing injured midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, Real Madrid started brightly. Kylian Mbappe forced Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro into a smart save, while Vinicius Junior also threatened. However, it was the hosts who hit the woodwork three times in the first half, with Luka Sucic, Sheraldo Becker, and Sucic again all coming close.
Real Madrid took the lead in the 58th minute when Vinicius Junior converted a penalty after Sergio Gomez handled Arda Guler’s drive. Mbappe doubled the advantage just minutes later, sending Remiro the wrong way from the spot after Jon Aramburu stood on Vinicius’ foot.
Real Sociedad continued to press for an equalizer, but Madrid held firm to secure the three points. The victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and commitment, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
“It was a tough game, probably we didn’t deserve to win because Real Sociedad played very well… but we bore it out, we suffered, we were committed in the tough moments of the game and I value that a lot,” Ancelotti said.
Mbappe now has three goals in five La Liga matches for Madrid, although two have come from the penalty spot. The French superstar has formed a dangerous partnership with Vinicius Junior, who has also scored three goals this season.
“They are linking well, creating a lot of danger,” said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “In open play they’re lacking goals a bit, but with them we have a lot of danger up front and we will score a lot of goals.”
Real Sociedad have just one win from five games this season, but Imanol Alguacil’s team played well against Madrid.
“We had a great first half, we had a lot of chances, the game was alive,” said Real Sociedad’s Igor Zubeldia. “In the second half we started well but the penalty was a tough blow… we were comfortable, it changed the whole game for us.”
