Match summary

The night of grit in San Sebastián

Madrid resilience after red card was tested on a windy night in the Basque country as Real Madrid ground out a 2-1 victory away at Real Sociedad. The visitors played much of the match with ten men after Dean Huijsen was sent off for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal around the half-hour mark. Yet, as the clock ticked on, Madrid showed the kind of stubborn resolve that defines title challengers, turning adversity into advantage. Kylian Mbappé was the catalyst, scoring the opener after a defensive slip and then laying on Arda Güler’s sharp finish just before the break to cushion the lead. Sociedad fought back with clear intent, pinning Madrid back and forcing timely clearances, but the champions’ shape held firm.

• Mbappé opener sparked by a defensive miscue
• Güler’s assist just before half-time extended the advantage
• Oyarzabal’s late penalty narrowed the gap
• Real Madrid’s defense and Courtois stood tall after the red card

Mbappé’s movement and decision-making were crucial. Even with a man down, Madrid controlled space and tempo, pressuring Sociedad’s build-up and catching the Basques on the break. The result kept Madrid within touching distance of the top of La Liga and reinforced the sense that this squad can grind out results even when numbers are against them. For supporters, the night offered a reminder that resilience matters as much as talent in this competition, and the team’s balance under pressure remains a strength. For more on the match, see the official Real Madrid site and the La Liga overview.

Red card incident: Huijsen sent off

Huijsen’s sending-off explained

The 30th minute changed the complexion of the contest. Dean Huijsen was adjudged to have fouled Oyarzabal and received a red card after a VAR review. From there, Madrid had to survive extended pressure with a numerical disadvantage. The red card altered Real Sociedad’s approach, prompting them to invest more players in Madrid’s final third and test the visitors’ discipline and shape. Alonso’s men adjusted by tightening the midfield and leaning on the structure of their back four, with Courtois directing handling and communication from the penalty area.

Madrid responded with compact lines and disciplined transitions. The red card debate added another layer to post-match discussions, with some arguing the incident was close to a yellow, while others accepted the official call. Regardless, Real Madrid’s response demonstrated focus and collective discipline that can be as essential as attacking prowess in a season’s grind. For readers seeking broader reactions, analysis from established outlets can be found alongside post-match clips on major outlets like BBC Sport and the official club channels.

Mbappé breakthrough and Güler assist

Mbappé’s impact and Güler’s moment

Mbappé opened the scoring after a sharp turnover near Real Sociedad’s backline. The goal came from a defensive lapse that Mbappé exploited with clinical efficiency. His finish was precise, and it set a tone Madrid would ride despite the one-man disadvantage. The French forward continued to influence the game through intelligent runs, bold controls, and his willingness to press when possession shifted.

Just before halftime, Mbappé again orchestrated for the visitors, delivering a perfectly weighted pass to Arda Güler. The teenager finished with composure, lashing the ball beyond the keeper to double Madrid’s lead. The sequence highlighted the synergy between Mbappé and Güler, and it underscored the value of Madrid’s depth and options in a congested fixture schedule. The visitors’ second goal proved decisive in the context of a match that demanded resourcefulness from the bench and starting XI alike. For additional context on Mbappé’s involvement, the club’s match notes and highlight reels offer deeper breakdowns.

Oyarzabal’s equaliser from the spot

Oyarzabal converts after Carvajal handball

Real Sociedad found a lifeline late in the first half when Oyarzabal stepped up to take the penalty following a Carvajal handball inside the area. The spot-kick was converted cleanly, giving the Basque side a glimmer of hope as they chased an equaliser. The goal intensified the pressure on Madrid’s rearguard, especially with a small but growing wave of attacking intent from the home side. Yet the equaliser never fully swung the momentum in Sociedad’s favour. Madrid’s defensive unit—backed by Courtois—held firm in the second period, repelling crosses and blocking shots as Sociedad pushed for the tangible payoff of a late equaliser.

This incident also sparked debate among observers about the defender’s role in the handball and whether the contact was incidental. Regardless, the result remained precarious for Madrid, who had to summon resilience again in the final stretch. For fans seeking other angles, post-match opinion pieces from pundits and former players provide varied takes on the penalty decision and its impact on game psychology.

Defence holds firm with Courtois in goal

Courtois inspires late siege

With a man advantage for part of the match and a late push from Sociedad, the Real Madrid defense needed a commanding performance from Thibaut Courtois. The Belgian goalkeeper produced a string of crucial interventions, organizing the line and denying multiple clear chances. His handling and shot-stopping preserved Madrid’s lead and contributed to a win built on defensive solidarity as much as creative spark. The back four, marshalled by a composed central pairing, showed discipline against a home side pressing high and seeking a leveller. The discipline extended to coverage behind the ball and the willingness to clear when needed, a hallmark of successful away performances in this league.

As the final whistle approached, Madrid’s shape remained compact. The goalkeeper’s leadership helped maintain focus under pressure, and the collective effort of the entire defence earned a valuable three points. For fans analysing defensive metrics, Courtois’ saves and the unit’s block numbers are often highlighted in post-match data rundowns on league portals and the club’s analytics summaries.

Alonso’s post-match remarks: resilience, red-card debate, squad depth

Alonso on resilience and depth

Xabi Alonso reflected on a night of sacrifice and grit. He praised his players for showing resilience after going down to ten men, insisting the team found a way to stay competitive and secure the win. He acknowledged room for improvement, recognizing that mistakes will be part of a long season but emphasizing the need to learn quickly and adapt with composure. The coach also touched on the red-card decision, suggesting it perhaps should have been a yellow, which sparked further debate about refereeing calls in a high-stakes clash.

One clear takeaway was the need for squad depth as Madrid navigate multiple competitions. Alonso highlighted rotation and the availability of capable options on the bench as crucial for sustaining performance levels. In the build-up to upcoming fixtures, he stressed the importance of keeping players fresh and maintaining balance between attack and defense, a message that resonated across the club’s staff and supporters. Overall, his remarks framed the win as part of a broader narrative about Madrid’s identity this season: resilient, adaptable, and ready to grind out results when the odds tilt against them.

Looking ahead to upcoming fixtures

What lies ahead for Madrid

The victory in San Sebastián strengthens Madrid’s position as they enter a busy spell. Next up, the schedule includes a mix of league duties and European commitments, which will require calculated rotations and careful management of minutes. The coaching staff will likely lean on the squad’s depth to keep players fresh while maintaining a high standard of performance. For supporters, the takeaway is clear: Madrid showed they can win under pressure and adapt to different tactical demands. The challenge now is to translate this resilience into a consistent run of results as the campaign intensifies. As the season progresses, fans can expect more decisive contributions from Mbappé, Güler, and a veteran defensive unit that continues to prove its worth in high-stakes scenarios. For ongoing coverage, visit the club’s match previews and post-match analyses on their site and trusted football outlets.

Outbound links: Real Madrid official site, BBC Sport football, La Liga official site.