Mbappé’s hat-trick lifts Real Madrid to a 4-1 win

Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Bernabéu on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, earning the victory after a 1-1 half-time score in the opening round of La Liga.

Mbappé puts Madrid in control

The match was level for most of the first half before Kylian Mbappé broke the deadlock in the 40th minute. Federico Valverde supplied the assist, giving Real Madrid a late advantage before the interval. Real Sociedad responded quickly, with L. Sucic restoring parity in the 44th minute and sending the teams into half-time level.

The decisive turn came after the restart. Mbappé scored again in the 60th minute, this time assisted by Jude Bellingham, to put Madrid ahead for a second time. Bellingham then created Real Madrid’s third goal in the 68th minute, setting up Vinícius Júnior. Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, with Vinícius Júnior providing the final pass.

Madrid’s attacking edge reflected in the numbers

Although possession was evenly divided at 50% each, Real Madrid created considerably more danger. They finished with 20 total shots to Real Sociedad’s 10, including 11 efforts on target compared with three. Madrid also recorded 14 shots from inside the box, while Sociedad had seven, and their expected-goals figure was 3.14 against 0.57.

Real Sociedad did win more corners, seven to four, and both teams completed 91% of their passes. However, the shot volume and goalkeeper numbers underlined Madrid’s greater attacking pressure: Álex Remiro made seven saves, while Real Madrid’s goalkeeper made two. The scoreline therefore matched the overall balance of chances despite the equal possession share.

Bookings and changes after the break

A. Carreras was booked for Real Madrid in the 10th minute, while Y. Herrera received Real Sociedad’s first yellow card in the 31st minute. J. Aramburu was cautioned just before half-time, followed by L. Beitia in the 71st minute. I. Konate was booked for Madrid two minutes later, and E. Camavinga received a late yellow card in the 90th minute.

Real Madrid made an early half-time change, replacing A. Carreras with M. Cucurella. Real Sociedad introduced O. Oskarsson and I. Zubeldia in the 57th minute, then made further changes involving A. Barrenetxea, C. Soler and G. Guedes before the final whistle.

Mbappé leads the opening-round winners

Mbappé was the standout performer, receiving a 10.0 rating after scoring three goals in 88 minutes and registering seven shots on target. Bellingham also made a major contribution with two assists and four key passes, while Vinícius Júnior finished with a goal and an assist.

The result leaves Real Madrid seventh in the La Liga table with three points from one game, while Real Sociedad are 19th with no points after one match. Madrid entered the fixture on a win, and Sociedad on a loss; the final score extended those respective opening-round records.