Güler and Mbappé guide Madrid through ten-man ordeal against Sociedad

Sehr unterhaltsam Futmetrix-Wertung: 75/100. In a match of relentless intensity punctuated by Dean Huijsen's 32nd-minute dismissal, Real Madrid proved their championship mettle by holding firm against a Real Sociedad side fighting relegation.

Dominance, then defiance

Real Madrid dictated the early tempo with surgical precision. Kylian Mbappé struck first in the 12th minute, capitalizing on Sociedad's defensive fragility to give the visitors an early stranglehold. The balance of play was entirely Madrid's: 39 shots attempted versus Sociedad's 23. Then came the inflection point. Dean Huijsen's professional foul in the 32nd minute earned a straight red, transforming a controlled masterclass into a test of character.

Playing with ten men, Madrid retreated but never panicked. Arda Güler delivered the knockout blow before halftime—a clinical finish from Mbappé's assist in the 44th minute made it 2-0. Sociedad, desperate for points in their relegation battle, refused to fold. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty in the 56th minute to set up a tense finale, but Madrid's resolve held.

Stakes and season trajectories

For Madrid, this victory extends their perfect record: four wins from four, 12 points, +6 goal difference. For Sociedad, the result deepens their crisis—17th place, just 2 points from four matches, with only two draws to show for their efforts. Dani Ceballos orchestrated Madrid's midfield with precision, enabling control even in numerical disadvantage.

The statistics reveal Madrid's clinical efficiency: 77% pass accuracy, six shots on target, 2.42 xG converted into two goals. Sociedad, despite 64% possession and 86% pass accuracy, couldn't overcome Madrid's defensive organization. Sixteen corners and 2.23 xG proved insufficient against a team operating at championship level. This wasn't a triumph of luck—it was the mark of a title contender.