By Crystal Ugoeze
Real Madrid opened their 2026/27 La Liga campaign in emphatic fashion on Wednesday, defeating Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Kylian Mbappé scoring a hat-trick.
The France international was the star of the night, finding the net in the 40th, 60th and 80th minutes to spearhead Madrid’s victory.
Mbappé opened the scoring in the 40th minute after Federico Valverde provided the assist, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.
Real Sociedad responded four minutes later when Luka Sučić levelled the contest in the 44th minute, sending the two sides into the interval at 1-1.
Madrid returned from the break with renewed intensity and regained the lead in the 60th minute. Mbappé completed his brace after being set up by Jude Bellingham.
Vinicius Junior then extended the hosts’ advantage in the 68th minute, finishing from a Bellingham assist to make it 3-1.
Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, with Vinicius providing the assist as Real Madrid moved four goals to one ahead.
Real Madrid manager José Mourinho made a series of substitutions late in the game, bringing on Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espi as the hosts managed the closing stages.
Real Sociedad also made several changes in an effort to change the course of the match, but Madrid held firm to secure all three points.
The victory gives Real Madrid an impressive start to their league campaign, while Real Sociedad will have to regroup after suffering a heavy defeat in their opening fixture.