On September 14, 2024, Real Madrid clinched a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Real
Sociedad, with the goals coming from their dynamic duo, Kylian Mbappé and
Vinícius Júnior. This win achieved away at the Reale Arena in San Sebastián, was
crucial as it allowed Madrid to stay in the hunt for LaLiga’s top spot, a race that has
already begun to intensify in the early stages of the 2024-2025 season.
A Battle from the Start
The match against Real Sociedad was never going to be easy. Known for their
organized play and solid defense, Sociedad managed to push Real Madrid in the
first half, even as Madrid dominated possession. However, clear-cut chances were
limited for both sides. Sociedad came close multiple times, hitting the post twice
in quick succession, with key efforts from their standout players Sucic and Becker.
Madrid, on the other hand, struggled to create chances, despite holding the ball for
longer periods
Turning Point: The Penalty Decisions
The breakthrough for Real Madrid came in the 58th minute when Turkish midfielder
Arda Güler unleashed a shot that hit Sergio Gómez’s arm in the box, leading to a
penalty for Los Blancos. Vinícius Júnior confidently stepped up and converted the
penalty, giving his side a 1-0 lead. It was his second penalty goal of the season,
showcasing his reliability in high-pressure situations
Just 15 minutes later, another defensive mistake from Sociedad gifted Madrid a
second penalty. This time, a reckless tackle by Aramburu on Vinícius gave the
referee no choice but to point to the spot once again. Mbappé, ever composed,
coolly slotted the ball past Sociedad’s goalkeeper Álex Remiro, putting the match
beyond the home side’s reach
The Emerging Partnership of Mbappé and Vinícius
This match highlighted the growing chemistry between Real Madrid's two attacking
stars. Vinícius and Mbappé have already become one of the most feared duos in
European football, with their speed, technical ability, and vision creating
nightmares for opposition defenders. Both players showed immense maturity in
the match, not only by converting their penalties but also through their overall
play. They were heavily involved in the build-up to most of Madrid’s chances,
constantly switching flanks, pressing the opposition, and driving the attack
forward.
This partnership comes at a critical time for Real Madrid, as they look to balance
their domestic aspirations with their upcoming Champions League campaign. The
Madrid faithful are already beginning to hope that this could be the start of
another era of dominance for the club, with Mbappé and Vinícius leading the
charge ( Sporting News )
A Resilient Performance by Real Sociedad
Despite the final score, Sociedad played with great spirit and can count themselves
unlucky not to have scored. The team hit the post three times throughout the
match, which could have altered the outcome had those efforts found the back of
the net. Their pressing in the first half and the creativity of players like Becker and
Sucic troubled Madrid, but they could not convert their opportunities. The missed
chances, coupled with the defensive errors, ultimately cost them the game
A Vital Win for Madrid
For Real Madrid, this victory was more than just three points—it was a statement of
intent. Carlo Ancelotti’s side has had a mixed start to the season, with some
underwhelming performances in their previous away matches. However, this match
showed their resilience, and the ability of star players like Mbappé and Vinícius to
step up when it matters most.
The win also helps Madrid build momentum ahead of their Champions League
opener against Stuttgart. While the team has room to improve in terms of fluidity
and creativity in open play, victories like these are crucial for building confidence
and morale in the dressing room. Furthermore, as Madrid’s younger stars like Güler
and Brahim Díaz continue to develop, they could become even more dangerous as
the season progresses
Looking Ahead
Real Madrid’s ambitions this season are clear: they want to reclaim their
dominance in both LaLiga and Europe. With players like Mbappé and Vinícius
hitting top form early, the potential for this team is immense. However,
consistency will be key, especially as they face tough opponents in both the
league and Champions League.
The victory against Real Sociedad was an important step forward, but Madrid will
need to maintain this level of performance if they are to achieve their lofty goals.
All eyes will now be on their next fixtures, where the world will see if this Madrid
side truly has what it takes to compete at the highest level again.
In summary, this 2-0 victory was a showcase of Real Madrid’s growing strengths
under Carlo Ancelotti. With Mbappé and Vinícius proving their worth, this could be
the start of something special for Los Blancos this season