Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior converted penalties to help Real Madrid secure a 2-0 win against Real Sociedad in a thrilling La Liga encounter on Saturday.
The first goal came in the 58th minute when Vinicius was awarded a penalty after former Manchester City player Sergio Gomez committed an unnecessary handball. Vinicius stepped up to convert the spot-kick, giving Madrid a crucial lead.
Mbappe doubled the advantage in the 75th minute following a video review that determined Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu had stomped on Vinicius' foot inside the box. The forward calmly slotted the penalty, ensuring Madrid's victory.
Before the decisive goals, Real Sociedad had several opportunities to take the lead, with their shots repeatedly hitting the woodwork. Luka Sucic hit the post twice, and Sheraldo Becker also saw his effort bounce off the crossbar.
Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois acknowledged the team's fortune, saying, \"We got lucky with the posts.\" Nonetheless, the team's resilience shone through as they weathered Sociedad's persistent attacks.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti praised his team's defensive efforts, stating, \"We probably didn't deserve to win. But we knew how to dig in during the worst moments. I value that sacrifice that is often tough to see on a team with the talent that this one has.\"
With this victory, Real Madrid moves one point behind the league leaders Barcelona, who will face Girona on Sunday evening. Madrid is set to open their UEFA Champions League title defense against Stuttgart on Tuesday.
Real Sociedad, on the other hand, have now lost all three of their home games this season. Sociedad's coach Imanol Agualcil expressed disappointment, saying, \"We played a great game against the best team in the league and one of the best teams in the Champions League. We are angry at ourselves because we are better than they were today.\"
In addition to the goals, Madrid forward Brahim Diaz was substituted out in the first half due to a leg muscle issue.
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Mbappe, Vinicius drill penalties in Real Madrid's 2-0 win at Sociedad
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