With Mbappé and Vini Jr, Real Madrid crush Real Sociedad in unstoppable form
Once more, Real Madrid showed just how strong they were while defeating Real Sociedad in San Sebastián, in one of those games that have made a difference, not only because of the team's technical quality but also because of the resilience of a squad that does not raise the white flag easily. The score, 2-0, built with two well-taken penalties by Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappé, showed just how Carlo Ancelotti's team is shaping up, unbeaten for 37 straight games in LaLiga.
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On paper, this should be just a win, but with context added in, there is most definitely much more behind this win. The game was intense, well-combated, and required only one thing from Real Madrid: patience, organization, and precision. So, let's take a closer look at what happened on the field and the implication of this result.
A tense first half
The first half was full of tension for Real Madrid. Real Sociedad came out organized, ready to make life difficult for the Madrid side. Time and again, Ancelotti's team found themselves being pushed back into their half with Sociedad pressing and looking for gaps.
It was that kind of start that required patience, with Madrid seemingly studying their opponent, waiting for the opportune moment to strike. Patient it was, but this tactic proved effective in the second half. Even though the first half didn't offer that many clear goal opportunities, it was evident Real was building up momentum in order to take control later in the game.
The turning point: decisive second-half penalties
If the first half was about patience, the second half was all about action. A shot by Arda Güler at 58 minutes precipitated a penalty as the ball hit Sergio Gómez's arm. After a quick review, without hesitation, the referee pointed to the spot. Vini Jr., cool as ever, stepped up and put Madrid ahead with ease.
That was the turning point of the match. From there on, Real Madrid gained confidence and took total control of the match and pressed Real Sociedad to retreat. The pressure paid off. In the 74th minute, another penalty was given this time against Aramburu for his foul on Vini Jr. Mbappé took it, deceiving goalkeeper Remiro with expertise and sealed the 2-0 scoreline.
Mbappé and Vini Jr: a golden connection
It is not an exaggeration to say that Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. are developing something special at Real Madrid. Both have grown into better chemistry, something in evidence in San Sebastián. More than the responsibility they share in goals, the two forwards have been complementary pieces on the field. Speaking in the post-game interview, Mbappé mentioned this partnership: "We have been searching for each other during training to build this connection and help the team. He is a great player, and I'm glad to be playing with him.".
This chemistry goes beyond the training ground. On the pitch, their partnership has already proved crucial. These are two players who, with their complementary styles-Vini's explosive pace and Mbappé's cold finishing-are on course to form one of the most feared duos in world soccer.
Ancelotti's leadership and the unbeaten streak
Special mention must go to Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian boss has been that steadfast pillar of balance and confidence that this team has needed. Under his charge, Real Madrid went on an unbeaten run in LaLiga for 37 games, a record that underlined sound and consistent work by the coach. He managed those conditions where every player seems to be fully convinced of his philosophy and style of play.
What's more, Real Madrid has shown tactical maturity that evolves with each match. Put in another way, the team can change according to the problems that certain opponents create without losing their identity. The ability to read the game and make changes in their approach is one of Ancelotti's great strengths, and he knows precisely how to mold his squad according to the requirements of each particular match.
The victory's impact: confidence for the Champions League
The victory against Real Sociedad wasn't just another LaLiga match. It carries a lot of symbolic weight since it prepares Real Madrid for what's next: the kick-off of their Champions League campaign. Mbappé didn't hide that this competition was one of his main reasons to join the club: "It means a lot. I came to Madrid to live nights like these ones. We want to enter Champions League strong, mainly with the new format.
This victory increases morale among the team members and is undeniably extra fuel in gearing up for European competition. Real Madrid knows that during the Champions League, nothing but a top-notch performance is expected from them, and starting this journey with such a convincing win in LaLiga should just push them for this phase.