Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho marked his Santiago Bernabeu return with a 4-1 LaLiga victory over Real Sociedad as Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick.
Jude Bellingham delivered a standout midfield display alongside Mbappe, drawing high praise from Spanish newspaper Marca, which declared the England international as the coach's star signing.
The match marked Mourinho's first home game in charge of Real Madrid in more than 13 years, securing his second consecutive victory since taking over at the Spanish club. Real Madrid recovered from a disjointed opening period to turn a 1-1 half-time tie into a comfortable win during their first home fixture of the LaLiga season.
Marca awarded Mbappe a 10 out of 10 rating for a display it called devastating, while Bellingham received a nine out of 10. Describing Bellingham's first-half performance as an eight out of 10, the Madrid-based sports daily noted he gave the impression of being in peak physical condition without losing the spark he rediscovered at the World Cup.
Marca wrote that Bellingham was intense, aggressive, appearing everywhere and playing with clarity and precision. The newspaper highlighted his threat on the edge of the penalty box, where he created chances for Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, appealed for a clear free-kick denied by referee Busquets Ferrer, and drew a yellow card from Yangel Herrera.
Media reactions to Bellingham performance
The Spanish outlet raised Bellingham's second-half evaluation to a nine out of 10, describing his overall display as stellar following a Bernabeu standing ovation when he was substituted. Marca praised his commitment, effort, and moments of quality, pointing to an exquisite one-two with Mbappe on the edge of the box that left the France forward free to score Madrid's second goal as a truly world-class piece of skill.
The publication added that Bellingham's individual effort and fighting spirit led to the assist he provided for Vinicius Jr to score Madrid's third goal, concluding that the 23-year-old midfielder is Mourinho's star signing.
Real Sociedad had started the match as the sharper side, threatening early on in the 10th minute. Take Kubo intercepted a loose pass near the edge of the box and played in Mikel Oyarzabal, whose close-range effort was saved by Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The visiting Basque team went close again in the 34th minute when Sergio Gomez flashed a volley just wide of the far post. As Real Madrid looked short of rhythm, careless in possession, and vulnerable on the counter-attack, the home crowd inside the Bernabeu began voicing its frustration with whistles and jeers.
First-half goals and half-time response
Mbappe briefly shifted the mood five minutes before half-time with a moment of individual quality. Midfielder Federico Valverde collected the ball just beyond midfield and split the Real Sociedad defense with a pass, allowing Mbappe to surge into the box, cut to his left, and lash a shot into the top corner.
Real Madrid's defensive uncertainty returned four minutes later in the 44th minute. Defenders Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras were caught out after Job Ochieng latched onto a long ball. Ochieng's deflected effort fell to Luka Sucic on the right, who steadied himself and drilled a low shot past Courtois to level the score.
Mourinho responded at half-time by sending on defender Marc Cucurella. Real Madrid emerged for the second half transformed, with Vinicius Jr and Mbappe stretching the visiting defense through direct running and increased intensity.
Second-half dominance and Mbappe hat-trick
The host team restored their lead in the 60th minute when Mbappe exchanged a sharp one-two with Bellingham on the edge of the penalty box. The move left Mbappe free inside the area to slide a low finish past Real Sociedad goalkeeper Alex Remiro.
Eight minutes later, Bellingham's high pressing won the ball back near the byline. His low cross across the face of goal provided Vinicius Jr with a simple tap-in from close range for Real Madrid's third goal.
Mbappe completed his hat-trick and sealed the 4-1 victory in the 80th minute. Vinicius Jr slipped a clever pass behind the defense, and Mbappe ran onto it to lift a composed chip over Remiro.
Jose Mourinho post-match reaction
Reflecting on the Bernabeu crowd's initial frustration during his post-match press conference, Mourinho said: "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."
The manager added: "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."
Speaking to Real Madrid TV about Mbappe, Mourinho praised his striker's contribution: "There's something I don't like doing, but sometimes I have to do: I don't like to talk about individuals, but what Kylian did …it was insane."
Mourinho continued: "Mbappe has a knack for scoring, for creating chances… when the team is under pressure, he's able to drop deep and link up with Vini and Jude, gaining ground and creating danger."
During his main press conference, Mourinho further praised Mbappe's historical ambition: "This bloke is incredible. He's incredible. I'm really glad he made history at the World Cup because only one player is truly for the ages, the one with the most World Cup goals. I can see he's absolutely raring to make history with Real Madrid. I've seen a team where, even though Kylian is Kylian and has done what he's done."
Mourinho also commended Mbappe's early return to pre-season training: "Mbappe arrived two days before his holidays were expected to finish, and those two extra days in pre-season can make a positive difference."
