MADRID : Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick as Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, giving Jose Mourinho a winning return to the club’s home ground in his first LaLiga match there since his comeback.
Mbappe put Madrid ahead in the 40th minute before Luka Sucic equalised four minutes later, but the France forward restored the hosts’ lead on the hour. Vinicius Jr added a third in the 68th minute before Mbappe completed his treble 10 minutes from time.
Mourinho’s return to the Bernabeu came more than 13 years after his previous home match in charge of the Spanish giants. Madrid endured a sluggish first half but produced a ruthless display after the break to secure a comfortable victory.
The hosts were jeered by their supporters before halftime after a disjointed opening in which they lacked rhythm, gave the ball away cheaply and looked vulnerable on the counter-attack.
“There’s always a sense of justice in the boos and the applause, and the odd boo now and then doesn’t do anyone any harm – it helps you grow,” Mourinho told a press conference.
“We all know the Santiago Bernabeu and just how demanding the fans are there, and I’m very pleased with how my players responded under pressure and put in a great second half, in which we could even have scored more goals.”
Mourinho sent on Marc Cucurella at halftime and Madrid emerged transformed, with Vinicius and Mbappe stretching the visitors with direct running and greater intensity.
Madrid regained the lead when Mbappe exchanged a sharp one-two with Jude Bellingham before breaking into the box and beating Alex Remiro with a low finish.
Eight minutes later, Bellingham’s pressing won possession near the byline and his low cross allowed Vinicius to tap in from close range.
Mbappe completed the scoring in the 80th minute when Vinicius slipped a clever pass behind the defence, allowing the forward to lift a composed chip over Remiro and seal his hat-trick.
