Madrid, 27 August (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – José Mourinho marked his Mourinho Bernabéu return with a 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, as Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick transformed a difficult first half into an emphatic opening home win for Real Madrid.
An emotional reunion quickly becomes a football test
Mourinho’s appearance at the Santiago Bernabéu carried significance after more than 13 years away from the Real Madrid home dugout. His previous home match as Madrid manager came against Osasuna on 1 June 2013, shortly before the end of his first spell.
The reunion, however, soon became a test of his rebuilt side. Madrid struggled to make their pressing work consistently during the first half, while Real Sociedad remained organised and threatened on transitions.
Mbappé finally opened the scoring in the 40th minute after Federico Valverde carried the ball forward, but Luka Sučić equalised four minutes later to send the teams into half-time at 1-1.
Half-time changes expose the difference
The second period showed why Madrid remain formidable when their attacking players find space.
Mbappé restored the lead in the 60th minute after combining with Jude Bellingham. Eight minutes later, Bellingham won possession inside the area and supplied Vinícius Júnior for Madrid’s third.
Mbappé completed his hat-trick in the 80th minute, converting after an inventive Vinícius pass to secure the 4-1 victory.
The improvement also reflected Mourinho’s adjustments after the break. The manager acknowledged afterwards that Madrid had found pressing difficult during the opening 45 minutes before correcting aspects of their approach.
Mourinho sees composure behind the comeback
Mourinho said he “really liked the team’s composure in the face of difficulty”, while explaining that Real Sociedad’s organisation had complicated Madrid’s attempts to press. He added that the hosts could have scored five or six following their second-half improvement.
The Mourinho Bernabéu return therefore delivered more than a symbolic homecoming. It provided an early example of the tactical problems his new side must resolve if Madrid are to sustain their start across a full season.
Early victories cannot hide the work ahead
Real Madrid have opened their league campaign with successive victories, first beating Espanyol away before overcoming Real Sociedad at home.
Yet the uneven first half underlined the challenge facing Mourinho. Madrid must develop a more consistent press while finding the right balance between Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham against opponents capable of resisting their initial pressure.
For Mourinho, that task matters considerably more than the emotion surrounding his return.
A demanding schedule shifts focus forward
Madrid have little time to dwell on the reunion. Their next confirmed league fixture is another home match, against Málaga on Sunday, 30 August, before travelling to face Real Betis on 4 September.
The Mourinho Bernabéu return produced the result supporters wanted and a spectacular individual display from Mbappé. The longer-term question is whether the second-half intensity can become Madrid’s standard rather than a response to early difficulties.
