Real Sociedad 0-2 Real Madrid: Champions weather San Sebastian storm to earn gritty win

Real Madrid scored two penalties to see off the threat of Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday night.

Los Blancos' unbeaten start to the 2024/25 campaign remained in tact despite coming under some intense pressure in San Sebastian.

The hosts struck the woodwork no fewer than three times and failed to make their chances count on a thrilling evening in the Basque country.

The first chance of note went Madrid's way, with the reinvigorated Kylian Mbappe bursting into the box and letting fly, only for goalkeeper Alex Remiro to keep him out.

Madrid's injury woes continued when Brahim Diaz had to be withdrawn midway through the first half with a muscle problem.

That seemed to knock the wind out of the visitors' sails as the Sociedad onslaught started to take shape. Either side of a save from Remiro to deny Antonio Rudiger, La Reale hit the frame of the goal - firstly with Luka Sucic thumping the post, and then Sheraldo Becker clattering the crossbar.

Almost immediately out of the blocks for the second half, the woodwork came to Madrid's rescue a third time. Sucic once more was the unlucky party.

Just before the hour mark, Madrid were awarded a penalty when Arda Guler's shot was blocked by the arm of Sergio Gomez. Vinicius Junior stepped up and slotted home to put the champions ahead.

Shortly after, Madrid's second penalty came in after a VAR check, as Vinicius went down under a late challenge from Jon Aramburu. Mbappe was tasked with scoring from 12 yards this time and he made no mistake.

Carlo Ancelotti's side were able to see out the victory from there, getting back into the groove before their UEFA Champions League defence begins on Tuesday at home to Stuttgart. Sociedad, meanwhile are back in action in La Liga on the same evening away at Real Mallorca.

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