Real Madrid have delivered their first display of the Mourinho era. After a laboured win over Espanyol, the Merengues produced a far more accomplished performance against Real Sociedad (4-1), driven by a scintillating Kylian Mbappé, who scored a hat-trick.
A tense start to the match
The start of the evening, however, had given the Bernabéu cause for concern. Real Sociedad dominated possession and Courtois had to be quickly called into action against Oyarzabal. Madrid searched for their rhythm, built patiently and eventually found the breakthrough.
In the 40th minute, Valverde drove up the pitch and found Mbappé. The Frenchman shifted the ball onto his left foot and fired it into the top corner. Real thought they would head into the dressing room ahead, but Sučić capitalised on a rebound to equalise just before the break.
A one-sided second half
The story changed completely after the restart. Madrid stepped up the pace and Mbappé restored the lead in the 60th minute following a superb combination with Bellingham. The ever-present English midfielder then set up a second goal, for Vinicius, who capitalised on a defensive error to make it 3-1.
Then came the moment of magic. In the 80th minute, Vinicius found Mbappé in behind. With a delicate chipped finish, the Frenchman completed his hat-trick and sent the Bernabéu into full celebration.
A first genuine show of strength
4-1, and above all, a new impression: Mourinho's Real already look more coherent, more dangerous and more in control of their key moments. After the doubts raised by the opening match, this evening gave the Portuguese coach his first true show of strength.
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