Vinícius Júnior scored twice as Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, moving to the top of the La Liga table. The victory came without Kylian Mbappé in the starting lineup, though the French forward was available despite recent knee concerns.
The match, played on February 14, 2026, saw Real Madrid capitalize on a strong performance from Vinícius Júnior, who found the net twice, and a solid overall team display. Real Sociedad, entering the match on a nine-game unbeaten streak under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo, were unable to maintain their momentum against the in-form hosts.
Real Madrid’s coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, saw his team secure their eighth consecutive league victory, potentially overtaking Barcelona in the standings. The win was achieved despite several key absences, including Jude Bellingham, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, alongside Éder Militão and Rodrygo. Trent Alexander-Arnold, but, was fit enough to feature.
For Real Sociedad, Brais Méndez was suspended, and the team was without Takefusa Kubo (hamstring) and Unai Marrero (facial injury). Arsen Zakharyan, Ander Barrenetxea and Luka Sučić were all subject to late fitness tests, potentially influencing coach Matarazzo’s team selection.
Real Madrid fielded a lineup featuring Thibaut Courtois in goal, a defense of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Pablo Asencio, Dean Huijsen, and Joan Carreras, with Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde in midfield. The attacking line consisted of Franco Mastantuono, Arda Güler, Vinicius Junior, and Kylian Mbappé.
Real Sociedad’s starting eleven included Álex Remiro in goal, Álvaro Odriozola, Jon Martín, Igor Zubeldia, and Aihen Muñoz in defense. Pablo Marín, Beñat Turrientes, Jon Ander Olasagasti Gorrotxategi, and Sergio Gómez occupied the midfield, with Orri Óskarsson and Mikel Oyarzabal leading the attack.
While some predictions suggested a tight contest, with Sports Illustrated forecasting a 2-2 draw, Real Madrid’s superior firepower proved decisive. Other forecasts, including those from Sportskeeda (3-1 to Real Madrid), Football Whispers and Sportsgambler (2-1 to Real Madrid), also favored a home victory. The final score of 4-1 reflected Real Madrid’s dominance on the night.
The result places Real Madrid at the summit of La Liga, though Barcelona’s response remains to be seen. Real Sociedad’s nine-game unbeaten run was brought to an end, but their strong form throughout the season continues to position them as a competitive force in the league.
