On August 26, 2026, Real Madrid thrashed Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu in their rescheduled La Liga opener. The match marked Jose Mourinho's first home game since his return to the club after 13 years, and the Portuguese manager watched his side deliver a performance worthy of the 72,226 spectators packed into the stadium. Kylian Mbappe was the star of the show, scoring his first hat-trick of the La Liga season. The Frenchman broke the deadlock in the 40th minute after a precise through ball from Federico Valverde, firing a clinical left-footed strike into the top-left corner. But the visitors responded almost immediately — Luka Sucic equalised just four minutes later, capitalising on a blocked shot from Job Ochieng. The second half was all about Real Madrid's attacking brilliance. Mbappe restored the lead in the 60th minute after a swift exchange with Jude Bellingham. The English midfielder then turned provider in the 68th, showing incredible determination to win the ball back from Luken Beitia in the box and squaring it for Vinicius Junior to make it 3-1. The highlight of the night came in the 80th minute when Vinicius played a clever through ball and Mbappe produced a delicate chip over Alex Remiro to complete his hat-trick. A late VAR review ruled out a goal from Brahim Diaz for offside. Statistics show Real Madrid dominated with 20 shots to 10, 11 on target to 3, and an expected goals (xG) of 3.14 against 0.57. Possession was evenly split at 51% to 49%. With six points from two games, Real Madrid sit top of the table, while Real Sociedad are yet to get off the mark.
