Kylian Mbappe once again proved the difference as Real Madrid clung on with ten men to edge a bruising 2-1 victory at Real Sociedad and keep their perfect La Liga record alive.
The French superstar pounced on a defensive calamity to grab his fourth league goal of the campaign before turning provider for Arda Guler. A penalty from Mikel Oyarzabal gave Sociedad hope but Madrid dug in to secure all three points.
Xabi Alonso’s men gifted Madrid the opener after just 11 minutes. Sociedad winger Mikel Goti lazily rolled a backpass straight into trouble. Mbappe was quickest to react, burning past Igor Zubeldia and brushing aside Duje Caleta Car before rifling a precise strike into the bottom corner. The home crowd groaned while Madrid’s travelling support erupted.
But Alonso’s side were rocked before half-time as in the 32nd minute Oyarzabal broke free and was cynically dragged down by Dean Huijsen. The referee had no hesitation in brandishing a straight red and Madrid’s night looked set to unravel.
Instead Mbappe produced another moment of brilliance. Twisting past Aritz Elustondo on the left, he darted to the byline and delivered a teasing cut-back through a packed area. Youngster Guler arrived at the perfect moment to tuck home and double the lead.
Sociedad refused to fold and were handed a lifeline shortly after the restart. Ander Barrenetxea whipped in a cross that struck Dani Carvajal’s arm and the referee pointed to the spot. Oyarzabal stepped up and coolly sent Thibaut Courtois the wrong way to make it 2-1.
The hosts pressed for an equaliser but Madrid showed real steel. Trent Alexander-Arnold replaced Carvajal late on and slotted in as the visitors threw bodies behind the ball. Courtois made a key save from Barrenetxea while Nacho and Antonio Rudiger fought tooth and nail at the back.
When the final whistle blew Alonso cut a frustrated figure against the club where he learned his trade. Madrid meanwhile celebrated a fourth win from four games, sitting top on 12 points and already five clear of champions Barcelona, who travel to Valencia on Sunday night.