Kylian Mbappe both scored and set up a crucial goal as Real Madrid held off a late surge from Real Sociedad to claim a 2-1 victory on Saturday, maintaining their perfect start to the LaLiga season despite playing most of the match with 10 men.
The visitors struck early, with Mbappe opening the scoring in the 12th minute after a lightning counter-attack. However, Madrid’s task became significantly tougher when defender Dean Huijsen received a straight red card for a last-man foul on Mikel Oyarzabal just past the half-hour mark.
Even with a numerical disadvantage, Madrid doubled their lead just before half-time. Mbappe drove forward and delivered a perfectly timed pass to Arda Guler, who slotted the ball home from close range amidst a crowded box.
Real Sociedad pulled one back in the 56th minute through Mikel Oyarzabal from the penalty spot following a handball by Dani Carvajal. Despite intense pressure in the second half, Madrid held firm to secure a hard-fought win.
The victory keeps Real Madrid top of LaLiga with 12 points from four matches, three ahead of Athletic Bilbao, who have a game in hand and host Alaves later on Saturday. Real Sociedad remain winless, sitting 17th with just two points, just above the relegation zone.
