Kylian Mbappé scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid recovered from a disjointed first-half display to defeat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu. The French forward’s treble secured a winning start to the hosts’ home LaLiga campaign, transforming a match that had threatened to become a frustrating afternoon into a convincing triumph.
The fixture marked Real Madrid’s first home league outing of the season. It also signalled a return to the stadium for José Mourinho more than 13 years after his final home match in charge of the club.
First-half frustration
The hosts began uncertainly, appearing careless in possession and vulnerable when defending transitions. The home crowd registered their displeasure as the side struggled to establish control, with Real Sociedad posing a consistent threat during the early exchanges.
Real Madrid eventually broke the deadlock late in the opening period, only for the visitors to level the score four minutes later. The teams reached the interval with the contest evenly poised, reflecting a half in which the hosts had lacked rhythm and coherence.
Second-half transformation
The character of the performance altered dramatically after the restart. Real Madrid moved ahead once again on the hour mark, then extended their advantage with a third goal eight minutes later to seize complete control.
Mbappé put the result beyond doubt by completing his treble 10 minutes from the final whistle, capping a personal display that proved the difference between the sides. His third goal rounded off a scoring sequence that saw the home side net three times after the interval following a first half in which they had struggled to find their rhythm.
Competition impact
The victory ensures Real Madrid take maximum points from their opening home fixture, providing momentum as the LaLiga season progresses. The capacity to overcome a sluggish start and convert a level scoreline into a three-goal margin will encourage supporters despite the initial anxieties.
The win extends Real Madrid’s winning start to their home league programme, while the occasion marked a poignant reunion for Mourinho with a stadium where he previously delivered domestic success.