MADRID — Kylian Mbappe scored one goal and set up another as 10-man Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad.
Mbappe capitalised on a defensive error to score his fourth league goal of the season, but Madrid’s task became more difficult when defender Dean Huijsen was shown a red card.
The French striker then turned provider, assisting Arda Guler to give Madrid a 2-0 lead. Sociedad pulled one back from the penalty spot through Mikel Oyarzaba.
Real Madrid now sits atop the table with 12 points from four games, five points ahead of defending champions Barcelona, who are in fifth place.
Xabi Alonso’s team took the lead after a casual backpass from Sociedad winger Mikel Goti caught his defence off guard. Mbappe outpaced Igor Zubeldia and shrugged off Duje Caleta-Car before firing a crisp shot from the edge of the box.
Madrid were reduced to 10 men in the 32nd minute after Oyarzaba was brought down by Huijsen. Mbappe played a key role in the second goal as well, outfoxing Aritz Elustondo before cutting the ball back for Guler to score with a stylish poke.
Sociedad was awarded a penalty shortly after half-time when Ander Barrenetxea’s cross struck Dani Carvajal’s arm. Oyarzaba calmly sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way from the spot.
Madrid showed strong defensive resolve to hold on to the win, a meaningful victory for Basque-born Alonso against a club where he has strong ties, having come through their youth ranks and started his senior coaching career there.
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