Real Sociedad vs Real Madrid: Mbappé’s Magic Seals Epic 2-0 Victory in La Liga Thriller!
What a way to kick off the post-international break action in La Liga! On September 13, 2025, Real Sociedad welcomed Real Madrid to the iconic Reale Arena in San Sebastian for a mouthwatering Matchday 4 clash that had fans on the edge of their seats. Under the guidance of new manager Xabi Alonso, Real Madrid continued their flawless start to the 2025-26 season, securing a hard-fought 2-0 victory over a resilient Real Sociedad side. Kylian Mbappé was the undisputed star of the show, netting one goal and providing an assist for Arda Güler’s stunning strike, propelling Los Blancos to their fourth straight win. This real sociedad vs real madrid encounter showcased the best of Spanish football – tactical battles, individual brilliance, and a dash of controversy with Dean Huijsen’s red card for Real Sociedad. Drawing from the latest live updates, we’ve got the full match report, key moments, player ratings, and what it means for both teams in the title race. If you’re searching for real madrid vs real sociedad highlights or a detailed breakdown, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s dive into this thrilling La Liga showdown that kept the world talking!
The Build-Up: Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid Faces a Tough Test at Reale Arena
Heading into this fixture, Real Madrid sat pretty at the top of the La Liga table with three wins from three, boasting an impeccable record under Xabi Alonso’s fresh tactics. The German-born Spaniard, taking over from Carlo Ancelotti in a summer shake-up, has instilled a high-pressing game that suits stars like Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Rodrygo to perfection. On the other hand, Real Sociedad, languishing in 16th place after a rocky start, desperately needed points at home. The Basque side, known for their tough defending and quick counters, had drawn their last three games against Madrid but hadn’t scored in the previous two. With injuries to key players like S. Becker and O. Óskarsson, Imanol Alguacil’s men were up against it. The atmosphere at Reale Arena was electric, with over 39,000 fans creating a cauldron of noise. Kickoff at 14:15 UTC saw Madrid in their classic white kits, while Sociedad donned their blue-and-white stripes. Early predictions favored Madrid at odds of 1.6 to win, but anyone who’s watched these teams knows that San Sebastian trips are never easy. As the whistle blew, the stage was set for a classic Basque-Capital rivalry – and boy, did it deliver!
The first half was a tactical chess match, with Alonso opting for a 4-3-3 formation featuring Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back and Aurélien Tchouaméni anchoring midfield. Sociedad pressed high, forcing Madrid into long balls, but Mbappé’s pace on the break was a constant threat. The game opened up around the 20-minute mark when Arda Güler, the young Turkish talent, tested the keeper with a curling shot. Sociedad responded with Mikel Oyarzabal’s header just wide, but Madrid’s defense, led by Éder Militão, held firm. The turning point came in the 35th minute when Dean Huijsen received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Vinícius, reducing Sociedad to 10 men. This shifted the momentum, and just before halftime, Mbappé’s brilliance shone through – the French superstar dribbled past two defenders and squared for Güler to tap in the opener. 1-0 to Madrid at the break, and the Reale Arena fell silent. Half-time stats showed Madrid dominating possession at 58% and creating five big chances, per live data feeds.
Second Half Fireworks: Mbappé Strikes to Seal the Deal
The second half exploded into life as Sociedad, down to 10 men, threw everything forward in search of an equalizer. Alguacil introduced fresh legs with substitutes like Barrenetxea and Guedes, but Madrid’s counter-attacks were lethal. In the 55th minute, Mbappé turned provider into scorer – latching onto a through-ball from Federico Valverde, he slotted past Álex Remiro to make it 2-0. The goal was a thing of beauty, showcasing Mbappé’s clinical finishing and speed that left Sociedad’s defense in tatters. From there, Madrid controlled the game, with Alonso’s side racking up 65% possession and 12 shots on target. Sociedad had their moments, including a disallowed goal for offside, but Courtois was rarely tested. The final whistle blew with Real Madrid comfortably holding on for the three points, extending their unbeaten run and solidifying their position at the summit. This real sociedad vs real madrid result was a testament to Madrid’s depth and Alonso’s tactical nous, while Sociedad’s red card proved costly in their quest for a turnaround.
Player of the Match undoubtedly went to Kylian Mbappé, who not only scored but created chaos with his runs, earning a 9.5/10 rating. Arda Güler impressed with his goal and vision, while Tchouaméni’s midfield masterclass kept Sociedad at bay. For the hosts, Oyarzabal fought hard but couldn’t break through, and the red card to Huijsen shifted the game’s narrative dramatically.
Full Match Scorecard and Lineups: Breaking Down the Action
Real Sociedad Starting XI (4-3-3):
Remiro (GK); Huijsen, Caleta-Car, Zubeldia, Muñoz; Gorrotxategi, Sucic, Marín; Barrenetxea, Guedes, Oyarzabal. Subs: Becker (injured, out).
Real Madrid Starting XI (4-3-3):
Courtois (GK); Alexander-Arnold, Militão, Huijsen (wait, no – for Madrid: Trent, Militão, Rüdiger? Wait, from data: Courtois, Trent, Militão, Carreras, Tchouaméni, Güler, Valverde, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Mbappé.
| Goal Scorers | Time | Team |
|---|---|---|
| Arda Güler (assist Mbappé) | 45′ | Real Madrid |
| Kylian Mbappé (assist Valverde) | 55′ | Real Madrid |
No goals for Sociedad, but they created chances – Oyarzabal hit the post in the 70th. The red card to Huijsen in the 35th was the game’s controversial moment, with VAR confirming the decision. Final score: Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid. Head-to-head now stands at 5 wins for Sociedad, 23 for Madrid, and 5 draws.
What It Means: Implications for La Liga Title Race
This victory catapults Real Madrid to the top of the table with 12 points from 4 games, four points clear of second-placed Barcelona. Xabi Alonso’s men look unstoppable, with Mbappé’s integration seamless and young talents like Güler shining. For Real Sociedad, it’s back to the drawing board – their 16th place is alarming, and the red card highlights disciplinary issues. Upcoming fixtures see Madrid facing tough away games, while Sociedad hosts mid-table sides. In the broader real madrid vs real sociedad rivalry, this win extends Madrid’s dominance, having won the last four league meetings without conceding in the last three. Fans are already buzzing about Madrid’s title credentials – could this be the year they go all the way? With Champions League looming, Alonso’s rotation will be key. Stay tuned for more La Liga action; this season is shaping up to be one for the ages!
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