Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé both converted penalties to help Real Madrid secure a 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday. The win brings the Spanish champions within a point of league leaders Barcelona, who face Girona on Sunday.
Real Sociedad struck the woodwork three times during an action-packed encounter at the Reale Arena, but Madrid’s second-half penalties proved decisive.
“It was a tough game, probably we didn’t deserve to win because Real Sociedad played very well… but we bore it out, we suffered, we were committed in the tough moments of the game and I value that a lot,” admitted Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Ancelotti had to contend with the absence of key midfielders Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni through injury, while Rodrygo Goes started on the bench, replaced by Brahim Diaz.
All eyes were on Kylian Mbappé after his two-goal performance in his last La Liga outing. The French striker threatened early on, forcing Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro into a fine save and making a dangerous run that was halted by last-ditch defending.
Real Sociedad’s Luka Sucic hit the bar with a long-range strike, one of three times the Basque side struck the woodwork. Antonio Rudiger came close for Madrid with a header, while Mbappé flashed an effort across the face of goal.
Sociedad’s forward Sheraldo Becker was also denied by the crossbar in a frantic exchange of chances. However, Madrid seized control in the second half when Vinicius Junior coolly converted a penalty in the 58th minute after Sergio Gomez handled a shot from Arda Güler. Shortly after, Mbappé slotted home a second penalty, sending Remiro the wrong way after Jon Aramburu fouled Vinicius.
Madrid comfortably saw out the final 15 minutes, preserving their unbeaten run in La Liga, which stretches back to September 2023, covering 37 matches.
Mbappé now has three goals in five La Liga appearances, two of them from the penalty spot. “In open play, we’re still looking for more goals, but penalties count too,” said goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. “We’re creating a lot of danger with Vinicius and Mbappé up front.”
Real Sociedad, with just one win from five games this season, were left to rue their missed opportunities.