MADRID, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 14: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid CF celebrates a goal during the Spanish League, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Bernabeu stadium on February 14, 2026, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo By Oscar J. Barroso/Europa Press via Getty Images) Europa Press via Getty Images
Madrid extend streak with 4-1 win over Sociedad
Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad – Real Madrid continued their strong run in La Liga with a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu, their eighth consecutive league victory. The scoreline came courtesy of two penalties from Vinícius Júnior plus strikes from Fede Valverde and Gonzalo García. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty for Sociedad, but it wasn’t enough to stop Madrid’s dominance in the match.
Early breakthrough and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s return impact
Trent Alexander-Arnold, making his first start in more than two months after a thigh injury, provided a pinpoint cross for Gonzalo García to poke home after five minutes. That early goal set the tone for the real madrid – real sociedad contest and put Madrid in control from the outset.
Penalties and key moments that shaped real madrid vs. real sociedad
- 28th minute – 1-0: Vinícius pounced on a headed ball and slotted home.
- 21st minute – 1-1: Real Sociedad’s Mikel Oyarzabal levelled from the penalty spot after a foul inside the area.
- Shortly after – 2-1: Vinícius won and converted a penalty after Jon Aramburu floored him.
- Valverde strike: Federico Valverde smashed a powerful shot past Alex Remiro to extend the lead before half-time.
- 48th minute – 3-1: Vinícius converted again from the spot to make it his 10th goal of the season and to seal the points.
Real Sociedad did reduce the gap when Carles Gil later scored for them, but Real Madrid held firm to claim the win, moving two points clear of Barcelona in the title race.
Mbappé’s absence and squad questions
Kylian Mbappé was available but did not start after a recent knee setback, Álvaro Arbeloa confirmed. This was only the fifth match Mbappé missed this season, yet Real Madrid performed strongly without him—raising questions about how Gonzalo García will fit alongside Mbappé when both are available. García has been influential, netting his 10th goal across competitions and proving to be a reliable attacking option.
Sociedad’s form and the penalty edge
Real Sociedad came into the match in good form, having beaten Athletic Club in the Copa del Rey and recording seven wins and two draws in nine matches under coach Pellegrini Matarazzo. Still, they struggled to contain Madrid’s attack at the Bernabéu.
A notable stat from the game: Real Madrid’s two penalties increased their season total to 13, well ahead of rivals across Europe (Bayern Munich sits second with nine). Meanwhile, defensive consistency remains a concern for Madrid — they have not recorded consecutive clean sheets in 20 matches across competitions, a streak stretching back to October.
What’s next for both teams
Real Madrid’s next challenge comes quickly. A Champions League play-off tie against Benfica on Tuesday, a test of their depth and form. Real Sociedad heads to Real Oviedo in La Liga on Saturday, hoping to regroup after this defeat.
RealMadrid’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad highlighted individual moments of quality, team depth without Mbappé, and ongoing defensive issues. The victory keeps Madrid firmly in title contention as the season heads into crucial weeks.
Follow TNN for more on real madrid vs real sociedad, real madrid club de fútbol updates. And the latest match coverage, sports news. US news today and Canada news today.