MADRID — Real Madrid CF delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday at the Santiago Bernabéu, surging to the top of La Liga, at least temporarily, ahead of Barcelona’s Monday fixture against Girona.
With superstar Kylian Mbappé sidelined due to left knee discomfort and Jude Bellingham out with a hamstring injury, Madrid leaned on collective discipline and clinical finishing to dismantle an in-form Sociedad side that had entered the match unbeaten in 11 games across all competitions.
Early Spark, Swift Response
Madrid wasted little time asserting control. In the fifth minute, Gonzalo García redirected a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold to open the scoring. Though García showed promise, he was unable to convert additional chances before halftime.
Sociedad answered in the 21st minute after Dean Huijsen conceded a penalty. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal calmly buried the spot kick to level the match.
But Madrid’s response was swift. Four minutes later, Vinícius Júnior was brought down in the box, stepped up, and converted from the penalty spot to restore the lead.
Valverde Breaks Through
In the 31st minute, captain Federico Valverde found space at the edge of the area and fired home his first league goal of the season, giving Madrid breathing room at 3-1 heading into halftime.
After the break, Vinícius struck again from the spot, his second penalty of the night, following another foul inside the area. The Brazilian’s brace sealed the result and underscored his growing influence in Madrid’s attack.
Vinícius nearly completed a hat trick in stoppage time with a header from a free kick, but the goal was ruled out for offside.
Key Return and Statement Win
The night also marked the return of Dani Carvajal, who came on around the hour mark for his first league appearance since October.
Madrid’s convincing performance not only ended Sociedad’s unbeaten streak but also lifted them two points clear at the top of the table, pending Barcelona’s result.
With a Champions League playoff clash against Benfica looming, Madrid appear to be hitting stride at the right moment, even without their marquee names on the pitch.
Around La Liga
Elsewhere Saturday:
- Celta Vigo salvaged a dramatic 2-2 draw against RCD Espanyol thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer from Borja Iglesias.
- Getafe CF upset Villarreal CF 2-1.
- Ten-man Sevilla FC settled for a 1-1 draw with Deportivo Alavés.
For now, the spotlight belongs to Madrid, and to Vinícius Júnior, as the title race tightens in Spain.
By The Midtown Times Sports Desk
February 14, 2026
