Real Madrid extended its La Liga unbeaten streak to 37 games after Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé found the back of the net against Real Sociedad.

Already four points behind Barcelona, Real Madrid traveled to Reale Arena looking to collect three points away from the Santiago Bernabéu for the first time in its 2024–25 La Liga campaign. The reigning Spanish champions came into the match as the heavy favorite against a Real Sociedad side that has lost three consecutive games at home.

Imanol Alguacil's men looked the more threatening team in the game's first 50 minutes. Real Sociedad hit the woodwork three times and firmly took the game to the Spanish giants. A handball from Sergio Gomez and a poor challenge from Jon Aramburu let the home side down, though, and conceded two penalties to Real Madrid.

Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé both scored from the spot to give Los Blancos the 0–2 victory.

Player Ratings

GK: Thibaut Courtois – 7/10 – Courtois stood tall when it mattered most, but he had plenty of help from the woodwork to keep his third clean sheet of the season.

RB: Dani Carvajal – 6/10 – Carvajal was solid as ever on the right flank and did well to cover for his center-backs when Real Madrid was caught out on the counter-attack.

CB: Éder Militão – 7/10 – Despite a few mistouches, Militão came up huge time and time again to help keep Real Sociedad off the scoresheet, winning 100% of his tackles and aerial duels.

CB: Antonio Rüdiger – 7/10 – Rüdiger will be disappointed he did not score the game's opening goal, but he did his job to lock down Takefusa Kubo with the help of Ferland Mendy.

LB: Ferland Mendy – 6/10 – After a few disappointing outings, Mendy did just enough tonight to secure his spot on the left flank over Fran García.

DM: Federico Valverde – 6/10 – Valverde once again showed off his exceptional work-rate for Los Blancos, working well in his deeper role to get back on defense while also pushing forward on the counter-attack.

DM: Luka Modrić – 6/10 – Modrić got the nod amid Real Madrid's injury struggles and created the most chances for his side over 90 minutes.

RM: Brahim Díaz – N/A – Díaz had a few flashes on the ball, but came off the pitch in the 24th minute after suffering a hamstring injury.

AM: Arda Güler – 6/10 – Güler was the heart of Real Madrid's counter-attack and did well to link up with the front three. The 19-year-old also won the penalty that lead to the team's first goal.

LM: Vinícius Júnior – 7/10 – The Brazilian buried the game's opening goal from the spot after a quiet first half. His dynamic run into the box then won Real Madrid its second penalty.

ST: Kylian Mbappé – 7/10 – Mbappé showed great individual skill on the ball and was the most threatening player in Real Madrid's attack. His efforts were rewarded in the second half when he doubled Los Blancos' lead from the penalty spot.

SUB: Rodrygo – 5/10 – The substitute struggled to have an impact on the right side of the pitch.

SUB: Lucas Vázquez – 5/10 – Vázquez fulfilled his duty to help protect Real Madrid's lead.

SUB: Endrick – N/A – Endrick came on in the 90th minute for Kylian Mbappé.

Carlo Ancelotti – 6/10 – Despite an injury crisis, Ancelotti's XI got the job done tonight. Dropping Valverde and Modrić back might have stifled some of Real Madrid's attack, but it helped fill the gap left in Aurélien Tchouaméni's absence. The manager will still have to answer questions, though, about his side's inability to score from open play.

Real Madrid’s Injury Crisis Continues

Real Madrid’s new season began as one with a slight worry over the defensive depth. Ironically, however, it is the midfield that leaves the manager with few options ahead of today’s clash.

Ancelotti seemingly had endless depth in the department ahead of the new season but repeated injuries have depleted the available resources to no end.

Eduardo Camavinga, Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Ceballos all miss the game in San Sebastian through injury, leaving the coach with only three natural senior midfield options on the night.

The first question Ancelotti must solve against Real Sociedad is whom to deploy as the defensive midfielder. Given the limited options in the squad, it could well be Federico Valverde tasked with the role of holding the fortress.

Luka Modric and Arda Güler, meanwhile, are likely to start as the interiors considering how the former’s experience can help build a stable partnership with his young partner. Brahim Diaz is also an option for Ancelotti.

Needless to say, the manager’s only wish for tonight will be to ensure that the team has no further setbacks in midfield.

## A Challenge Away From Home

Of Real Madrid’s four games so far, two have been at the Santiago Bernabeu with the others being away from home.

Notably, however, both the team’s wins came in the matches played at home. Real Madrid’s draws, meanwhile, came against Mallorca at Estadi Son Moix and Las Palmas at Gran Canaria.

It can be no coincidence that Real Madrid have been able to win this season playing with the backing of the home crowd but have failed to do so with a change in scenery and Ancelotti will look to turn that around tonight.

Taking on Real Sociedad at Anoeta is difficult enough in itself, let alone during a poor run of form.

As such, the men in white will have pressure on their shoulders to record their first away win of the season, and in the process, announce their return to form.

## A Battle of Tactics

Two weeks after their last game in La Liga, defending champions Real Madrid return to action tonight against Real Sociedad in what will be a thrilling clash.

The men in white are set to travel to the Basque country where they will take on Real Sociedad in what promises to be a high-octane battle. Both teams, however, have enjoyed contrasting starts to the new season.

While Los Blancos won two and drew two of their first four games, La Real have lost twice and have one win and a draw to their name.

Given the events over the past two weeks, however, the dynamic of the squad is different to when the dressing room last convened. With some fresh injuries, some well-rested players and other fatigued legs, manager Carlo Ancelotti has big calls to make.

Considering the opposition’s poor run of form so far, the game presents Real Madrid with an opportune moment to climb further up the league standings and maintain their newfound momentum.

The only hurdle, however, will be playing away from home at a stadium where the team has won just two times, lost once and drawn once in their last four appearances.

## Looking Ahead

Real Madrid open their Champions League defence against Stuttgart on Tuesday. They will be hoping to continue their strong start to the season and build on their impressive victory over Real Sociedad.

The team will be looking to use this momentum to build confidence and make a statement in the Champions League. Ancelotti will be hoping to use the upcoming game to solidify his starting XI and ensure that the team is ready for the challenges ahead.