Real Madrid Secures 2-0 Victory Over Real Sociedad Thanks to Penalty Goals from Vinicius Junior and Mbappe

• Sep 15, 2024

Real Madrid clinched a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday, thanks to penalty goals from Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. This victory brings the Spanish champions within just one point of league leaders Barcelona, who will face Girona on Sunday.

The match at the Reale Arena was thrilling, with Real Sociedad striking the woodwork three times before Madrid capitalized on their opportunities in the second half. Despite injuries sidelining key midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made strategic changes, opting to start Brahim Diaz instead of Rodrygo Goes.

Mbappe, who recently netted his first La Liga goals, was again in the spotlight. He made a significant impact early on, forcing Real Sociedad’s goalkeeper Alex Remiro into a smart save. His dynamic play included a powerful run that was thwarted by some last-ditch defending.

Real Sociedad was unlucky in their offensive efforts. They struck the woodwork with a long-range effort from new signing Luka Sucic, who slammed a shot against the bar. The Basque side continued to press, with forward Sheraldo Becker also hitting the bar later in the match.

As injuries took their toll, Ancelotti substituted Rodrygo into the game after Diaz went down. Madrid came close to scoring through Antonio Rudiger’s header, which was saved by Remiro, and an attempt from Mbappe that went across the face of goal.

In the second half, Real Sociedad's misfortune continued. Sucic had another chance, firing a low strike against the post. Eventually, Madrid took control when Vinicius converted a penalty in the 58th minute after Sergio Gomez handled a shot from Arda Guler. Shortly after, Mbappe doubled the lead, sending Remiro the wrong way after Jon Aramburu fouled Vinicius in the box.

With a two-goal lead, Madrid managed the last 15 minutes of the match comfortably, preparing for their upcoming Champions League clash against Stuttgart on Tuesday. Earlier in the day, Sevilla secured their first win of the season with a narrow 1-0 victory over Getafe, while Villarreal moved into third place with a 2-1 win against Mallorca.