Mbappe hat-trick powers Real Madrid to 4-1 rout of Sociedad

Kylian Mbappe scored a superb hat-trick to help Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 in La Liga, in the first home match at the Santiago Bernabeu since Jose Mourinho returned to coach the Spanish giants.

It was Real Madrid's second straight win under Mourinho, following a late 2-1 victory at Espanyol in the previous round. Vinicius Junior also got on the scoresheet, while Jude Bellingham contributed two assists as the hosts' star trio proved too much for the Basque visitors.

The Portuguese coach had said it would be difficult—but not impossible—for the club's three biggest stars to all hit top form at once, and this performance suggested he is on the right track. Mourinho kept the same starting lineup that had beaten Espanyol.

The match was open from the start, with Vinicius firing over the bar and Mbappe denied by goalkeeper Alex Remiro at the near post. At the other end, Thibaut Courtois made a smart save to thwart Mikel Oyarzabal.

Real Madrid took the lead in the 40th minute when Federico Valverde set up Mbappe. The French striker, La Liga's top scorer over the past two seasons, showed deft footwork to shake off his marker before curling a shot into the top corner—his first goal of the season.

However, Real Madrid could not hold the advantage into half-time. Deep into stoppage time, a shot from Job Ochieng was blocked, but the ball fell to Luka Sucic, whose effort deflected in off Alvaro Carreras to make it 1-1.

Mbappe kept the pressure on after the break, forcing Remiro into more saves. In the 55th minute, a slick exchange between Valverde and Bellingham released Mbappe, who calmly slotted home to restore the lead at 2-1.

Real Madrid's third goal came from Vinicius, who had been quiet up to that point. After Bellingham's shot was blocked, the English midfielder kept the ball alive inside the Sociedad box and set up Vinicius for a simple close-range finish.

Energized by the goal, Vinicius then turned provider for Mbappe to complete his hat-trick with a delicate chip over Remiro—arguably the goal of the match.

In the 83rd minute, Vinicius made way for Yan Diomande, Real Madrid's record signing. The Brazilian embraced Mourinho as he left the pitch, a sharp contrast to his frustration in last season's Clasico against Barcelona in October when he was substituted by Xabi Alonso. Vinicius recently signed a contract extension with Real Madrid through 2032.

In another match on Thursday, champions Barcelona host Athletic Bilbao at home, with new signing Rodri expected to make his debut from the bench under coach Hansi Flick.