Real Madrid has also won its fourth league game. In San Sebastian, the Royals had to play with one man down for a long time, but thanks to a strong Mbappé, they narrowly won 2-1.
Real were the better team in the first half and celebrated after two minutes when Arda Güler thought he had given them the lead, but their joy was short-lived as Mbappé, who had set up the goal, was offside. However, the Royals didn’t have to wait long for the lead: after a terrible misplaced pass by Gotis, Mbappé sprinted away from everyone and coolly slotted home to make it 1-0 (12′).
The visitors from Madrid were clearly in control and worked towards a 2-0 lead. Mbappé hit the outside post (15th minute) and Eder Militao failed twice with headers against the brilliant home keeper Alex Remiro (26th and 30th minutes).
Huijsen sent off – Arda Güler scores
Real had everything under control – and then came the 32nd minute: Huijsen misjudged Oyarzabal and brought the attacker down from behind. Referee Jesus Gil Manzano deemed it a professional foul and showed him a straight red card. However, Eder Militao was running alongside him in the middle at about the same height and the Brazilian could probably have intervened. The VAR did not intervene, however, and the sending-off stood, which was somewhat unfortunate for the visitors. Real Sociedad then had more possession until the break, but still conceded the 0-2: after outstanding work from Mbappé, Arda Güler scored from close range to make it 2-0 at half-time (44′).
Oyarzabal scores from the spot
Real Sociedad came out of the break very well and were unlucky in the 50th minute when Marin’s deflected shot hit the inside post twice. However, they got back into the game shortly afterwards when Carvajal handled the ball in the box and Oyarzabal kept his cool from the spot (56′).
It was an open game with the home side enjoying more possession. However, Real were always dangerous on the counterattack through Mbappé, who narrowly missed the target (60′). At the other end, Oyarzabal had the chance to score a brace, but he failed to beat Courtois from a tight angle (65′). Otherwise, the home side had more of the game, but failed to create any more clear-cut chances. The Royals defended well despite being a man down and held on to their narrow 2-1 lead.
What’s next? On Friday (9 p.m.), Real Sociedad will play Real Betis. The Royals will continue their Champions League campaign against Olympique Marseille on Tuesday (9 p.m.). In La Liga, Real will play Espanyol Barcelona next Saturday (4:15 p.m.).
