The international break is done, and a difficult trip to San Sebastián to face the always impressive Real Sociedad could make things difficult for a Real Madrid side still looking to really get going this season. Luka Modrić started after an impressive performance for Croatia, joined by Fede Valverde and Arda Güler in midfield.
Kylian Mbappé was back up top. Éder Militão returned in centre-back, with Ferland Mendy starting at left-back. One of the only impressive Castilla players so far this season in Chema Andrés took a seat on the senior bench for the first time. Takefusa Kubo started amongst a notably youthful Sociedad XI. Luka captained the team.
The game started at a decent pace, with Kylian Mbappé spurning the first good chance, giving the keeper an easy save. Real Sociedad then hit the post with their first decent effort. Antonio Rüdiger came close from a corner, but the keeper was again on his toes to make the save.
The woodwork would be needed again to save Real Madrid as Sociedad hit the bar with a close ranged effort. Takefusa Kubo came close against his former side, but that would be that for the first half. It ended 0-0, with Madrid perhaps lucky to be in at the break all even.
The post was Real Madrid’s friend again right from the off in the second half, with Sociedad again finding it instead of the target within one minute. Things took a turn when Madrid were gifted a penalty when the referee judged a handball in the Sociedad box, which Vinícius Júnior just managed to beat the keeper to score from.
Thibaut Courtois was required to keep his side ahead with a good save as the home side tried to come back – but when Vinícius was brought down inside the area, VAR aided the decision of another penalty. Kylian Mbappé stepped up this time, and doubled his sides lead with a far better effort.
That effectively killed off the rest of the game in terms of excitement, but that didn’t matter at all for Madrid. Full time, 2-0 to Real Madrid – but a very youthful and inexperienced Sociedad certainly caused them problems.
