LaLiga: Real Madrid Holds On for 2-1 Win Over Real Sociedad

Real Madrid extends perfect start with 2-1 Win

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad, extending their perfect start to four matches in La Liga. Read the match report.

Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in La Liga despite playing almost an hour with 10 men, meaning the Basque club have won just one of the last 14 H2Hs...

Los Blancos thought they had opened the scoring inside two minutes when Kylian Mbappe laid the ball off for a composed Arda Guler finish, but the Frenchman had strayed marginally offside.

Kylian Mbappé remained a constant threat, first seeing an effort saved after connecting with Dani Carvajal's cross. He then delivered a masterclass, punishing Mikel Goti's miscued pass by sprinting past Duje Caleta-Car and calmly slotting the ball past Alex Remiro. This decisive moment showcased Mbappé's pace, skill, and clinical finishing ability.

Mbappe clipped the outside of the post shortly after, but La Real responded well to their setback with Ander Barrenetxea hitting the side netting.

There was still a reminder of Madrid’s threat, as Eder Militao forced two spectacular saves from Remiro.

The Reale Arena then erupted with roars of hope in the 32nd minute, as Dean Huijsen was shown a straight red card for cynically pulling Mikel Oyarzabal as Sociedad’s captain tried to run behind.

Militao prevented any further damage by blocking Barrenetxea’s shot, and after Carvajal’s header hit the post, Arda Guler doubled the visitors’ lead before the break by linking up with Mbappe and stroking the ball into the net.

The hosts were left in complete disbelief five minutes after the restart, as Pablo Marin’s attempt was deflected onto the post by Aurelien Tchouameni and the ball teasingly trickled onto the other post before being cleared by Militao.

Real Sociedad's persistence paid off when Dani Carvajal handled Ander Barrenetxea's cross in the box, resulting in a penalty kick. Mikel Oyarzabal scored from the spot, sending Thibaut Courtois the wrong way and reducing the deficit to 2-1.

Kylian Mbappé had a chance to seal the win with a swashbuckling run, but his shot went wide. Real Sociedad continued to press, with Courtois making a crucial save to deny Oyarzabal, while Duje Caleta-Car's volley sailed over the bar. The hosts remained determined to snatch an equalizer.

FT: #RealSociedadRealMadrid 1-2@realmadriden's resilience pays off with a hard-fought win! 💪#LALIGAEASPORTS pic.twitter.com/U7EtLRPcey

— LALIGA English (@LaLigaEN) September 13, 2025

As Real Sociedad maintained the pressure, Thibaut Courtois made a crucial save to deny Mikel Oyarzabal, who was through on goal after Carlos Soler's precise pass. Courtois also held onto Duje Caleta-Car's header, securing a 2-1 win for Xabi Alonso team. This victory extended Los Blancos' perfect start to four matches in La Liga, despite conceding for only the second time this season.

The match highlighted the contrasting fortunes of the two teams, with Real Madrid's experience and quality ultimately proving decisive. Despite being reduced to 10 men for much of the second half, Los Blancos held firm to secure all three points.