Sat Feb 14 19:10:00 UTC 2026: ### Real Madrid Reconciles with Bernabéu in Decisive Victory over Real Sociedad

The Story:
Real Madrid secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad, reclaiming the top spot in La Liga. The match, played on Valentine’s Day, saw standout performances from Gonzalo and Vinicius Junior, who scored twice and earned two penalties. Despite resting Mbappé in preparation for a crucial game against Benfica, Arbeloa’s team demonstrated resilience and tactical flexibility. The win marked Real Madrid’s eighth consecutive victory in the league.

Key Points:

  • Gonzalo scored in the 4th minute, highlighting his effectiveness in Mbappé’s absence.
  • Real Sociedad’s Oyarzabal equalized in the 20th minute.
  • Vinicius Junior scored twice from penalties (24th, 47th) and was a constant threat to the Real Sociedad defense.
  • Valverde scored a beautiful goal in the 30th minute
  • Real Madrid rested Mbappé with the upcoming Benfica match in mind.
  • The match exposed defensive vulnerabilities in Real Sociedad.
  • The victory places Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table for at least 48 hours.

Critical Analysis:
The article highlights Real Madrid’s ability to adapt and win even without key players like Mbappé. The performance of players like Gonzalo and Vinicius demonstrates the depth and potential within the squad. Arbeloa’s tactical decision to rest Mbappé underscores the importance of strategic squad rotation, especially with upcoming Champions League fixtures. The focus on defense is strategic given Benfica is up next.

Key Takeaways:

  • Real Madrid can perform well even without Mbappé.
  • Vinicius Junior’s return to form is crucial for Real Madrid’s success.
  • Arbeloa’s tactical flexibility is a significant asset.
  • Real Sociedad’s defensive weaknesses were a major factor in their defeat.
  • Real Madrid’s victory strengthens their position in La Liga.

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