Mbappe hat-trick powers Real Madrid past Real Sociedad 4-1

Some results are difficult to dress up at Varcelona. Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1, Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick and Jose Mourinho returned to the Santiago Bernabeu as though his 13-year absence had merely been an unusually long international break.

Mourinho selected the same starting XI that had faced Espanyol. Arda Guler, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Mbappe formed the attacking unit, with Madrid immediately taking control of the game.

Alex Remiro initially kept the hosts out. The Real Sociedad goalkeeper denied Vinicius in a one-on-one situation and made several saves from Mbappe. At the other end, Thibaut Courtois stopped Mikel Oyarzabal during a promising early attack.

Madrid eventually opened the scoring in the 39th minute. Federico Valverde found Mbappe, who beat Jon Martin and powered a shot beyond Remiro. The Frenchman had been threatening throughout the first half and finally converted one of his opportunities.

Real Sociedad responded four minutes later. Ochieng made his way into the penalty area and, after his attempt was blocked, Luka Sucic arrived from midfield to score with a powerful left-footed finish. The teams went into half-time level at 1-1.

That balance did not survive the second half.

Mbappe restored Madrid’s lead in the 59th minute after combining with Bellingham. The England international played the return pass through the defence, allowing Mbappe to finish past Remiro.

Eight minutes later, Bellingham forced his way through the penalty area and supplied Vinicius. The Brazilian converted from close range for his first goal of the season, giving Madrid a two-goal advantage.

Mbappe completed his hat-trick in the 79th minute. Vinicius nutmegged a defender before setting up the French forward, who lifted the ball over Remiro to make it 4-1.

Guler created five chances and again operated as one of Madrid’s main creative outlets. Bellingham provided two assists, Vinicius finished with a goal and an assist, while Mbappe left with the match ball. Mourinho could hardly have requested a more convincing attacking display for his return to the Bernabeu.

Diomande and Carlos Espi were introduced during the closing stages. Brahim Diaz also found the net following a rebound from Espi’s attempt, but VAR ruled the goal out because the young striker had been offside.

Real Madrid now have six points from their opening two league matches. After needing a late goal to defeat Espanyol 2-1, Mourinho’s side produced a much more decisive performance against Real Sociedad, particularly after half-time. The key moments were documented in AS’ live match report, while Madrid published the starting line-up on their official website.

It is still only August. Unfortunately for Madrid’s rivals, a Mbappe hat-trick, five chances created by Guler and two Bellingham assists already look rather serious.