LA LIGA: Real Madrid Wins 2-0 Over Sociedad With Mbappé, Vinícius Penalties
Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior converted penalties to help Real Madrid earn a 2-0 victory against Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday. The hosts were left frustrated as they were repeatedly denied by the woodwork.
The breakthrough came in the 58th minute when Vinícius capitalized on a penalty awarded after Sergio Gómez, a former Manchester City player, committed a handball in the box. Mbappé doubled Madrid’s lead in the 75th minute, following a video review that confirmed Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu fouled Vinícius in the area.
This win marked Real Madrid’s first away victory of the season, leaving them one point behind leaders Barcelona, who will face Girona on Sunday. The victory also provides momentum for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as they prepare to open their Champions League defense against Stuttgart on Tuesday.
Real Sociedad matched Madrid’s intensity in a fast-paced first half, with Luka Sucic hitting the post twice, including a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar in the 25th minute. Sheraldo Becker also struck the bar in another near-miss for the hosts.
Real Madrid’s main attacking threat came from Mbappé, while Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro made a crucial save to deny a header from Antonio Rudiger. Sucic came close again just after halftime, sending another shot off the post from a pass by Umar Sadiq.
Sociedad’s fate was sealed when Gómez’s handball allowed Vinícius to convert from the spot. Mbappé’s calm finish later secured the win, as he sent Remiro the wrong way with his penalty.
Madrid forward Brahim Díaz was forced off in the first half due to a suspected leg injury.
Sevilla’s Veteran Navas Leads Team to First Win of the Season
Jesus Navas scored from a tight angle to give Sevilla their first victory of the season, edging Getafe 1-0 at home. The 38-year-old wing-back, who won the European Championship with Spain earlier this summer, announced his upcoming retirement from both international and club football.
Navas’s goal in the 23rd minute eased pressure on new coach Francisco García Pimienta. Sevilla defender Marcão was substituted after a head injury in the first half.
Puado’s Hat-Trick Lifts Espanyol Past Alaves
Javi Puado’s hat trick powered Espanyol to a 3-2 win over Alaves, securing the Barcelona-based club’s second consecutive victory after spending last season in the second division.
Puado opened the scoring in the 21st minute with a low finish, added a second in the 56th with a glancing header, and sealed the win from the penalty spot after Nahuel Tenaglia briefly leveled the score at 2-2.
Villarreal Claim Late Win Over Mallorca
Ayoze Pérez scored late to give Villarreal a 2-1 victory over Mallorca, marking his third goal in five games since joining from Real Betis.