Vinícius Júnior’s Double Leads Madrid to Victory Over Real Sociedad
In a commanding performance, Vinícius Júnior’s double penalties guided Real Madrid to a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad. This match, held on a recent Saturday, pushed Madrid to the top of La Liga, edging two points ahead of Barcelona.
Match Overview
Without star player Kylian Mbappé, who was benched due to left knee discomfort, Madrid dazzled with a cohesive team effort. Coach Álvaro Arbeloa opted to let Mbappé rest, as he and Jude Bellingham, sidelined with a hamstring injury, watched the match unfold from the sidelines.
Key Moments of the Game
- Early Lead: Gonzalo García opened the scoring for Real Sociedad in the fifth minute after a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold.
- Equalizer: Mikel Oyarzabal equalized for Sociedad in the 21st minute, converting a penalty awarded for a foul on Yangel Herrera.
- Penalties Galore: Vinícius Júnior scored his first penalty in the 25th minute, after being fouled by Jon Aramburu.
- Valverde’s Contribution: Federico Valverde scored Madrid’s third goal in the 31st minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse.
- Final Goals: Vinícius sealed the game with his second penalty after halftime, solidifying Madrid’s lead at 4-1.
Player Highlights
Valverde celebrated his first goal of the season, while Vinícius Júnior proved instrumental with two successful penalties. Dani Carvajal made his return in the 60th minute, marking his first league appearance since a previous loss to Barcelona.
Upcoming Challenges
This decisive victory not only ended Sociedad’s 10-game unbeaten streak but also set the stage for Madrid, who will face Benfica in the Champions League playoffs next week. Meanwhile, Barcelona is set to play Girona on Monday, aiming to close the gap in the title race.
The match showcased Madrid’s ability to perform under pressure, even in the absence of key players. With Vinícius leading the way, the team remains a formidable contender in La Liga.
