Real Madrid returned to winning ways in La Liga on Saturday, but only just.

Real Sociedad came close to taking the lead three times but Madrid held on, and Carlo Ancelotti’s side did not waste their chance at the Reale Arena, scoring two goals in the second half – both from the penalty spot – the first from Vinicius Junior and the second from Kylian Mbappe.

The second goal, however, was not without controversy, as there were doubts about the referee’s decision to penalize a foul against Jon Aramburu on Vinicius Jr.

Even former Madrid player Takefusa Kubo (now at Real Sociedad) questioned this after the game: “I’m really angry… the second penalty… I want an explanation.”

Ancelotti himself said he had not seen the incident, but was surprisingly honest: “It was a complicated game. We probably didn’t deserve to win.”

Nevertheless, the Italian coach was satisfied at the press conference. After returning from the international break and with five key players injured, Madrid managed to continue its winning streak and at least temporarily moved up to second place with eleven points – one point behind Barcelona, ​​​​who visit Girona on Sunday.

There is still a lot of room for improvement, but the game in San Sebastian brought positives. The athlete takes a look at the most important topics of conversation.

Kylian Mbappe starts to take over the team

After a rather slow start, the 25-year-old French striker is finding his way in his role in the team.

In six games for Real Madrid, Mbappe has already scored four goals and was named Man of the Match against Real Sociedad for the second time in a row.

“I see him fresher, more active, when he has the ball he is very dangerous, he combines well with Vinicius and with the strikers, he is improving a lot, yes, I really liked his game,” said Ancelotti when asked by The athlete.

Before making it 2-0 in the 74th minute, Mbappe had two great chances in the first half after dribbling past his opponents. The French international was involved in some beautiful play down the inside lane, creating another chance.

When the first penalty was awarded, he gave it to Vinicius Jr. But it was his turn for the second and he celebrated his goal with Brahim, who had been substituted due to adductor problems.

Although Mbappe acted as the linchpin of the attack, he only failed to complete four of 23 possible passes and showed a good defensive performance with three ball recoveries.

(Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“I’m getting better with every game. With every game I understand better what the team, my teammates and the coach need,” Mbappe told Real Madrid TV after the game.

Before he left the pitch, a teenager jumped out at him. A security guard chased him away, but Mbappe made a gesture to protect him and took a selfie with him. It capped off another successful evening for Madrid’s new number 9, who is already looking forward to Tuesday’s Champions League match against Stuttgart and told the club’s TV channel: “I came to Madrid to experience an evening like this. I will not stop laughing.”

Madrid escapes punishment for lack of control in midfield

Madrid went home with three points, but this was mainly due to luck being on their side.

Luka Sucic (twice) and Sheraldo Becker almost put the home team ahead, but all three times they hit the woodwork when Thibaut Courtois was beaten.

The Belgian goalkeeper also had to save two balls, one of which caused him pain. Real Sociedad was so demanding when the score was 0-0 and Madrid could not find their way into the game.

(Ander Gillenea/AFP via Getty Images)

“You can still see that they miss Toni Kroos. There is no one like him there,” said a Real Sociedad player who wished to remain anonymous to protect relationships. The athlete after the game. This theory was confirmed by a member of Madrid’s coaching staff, who also had to contend with the absence of Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Ceballos, Eduardo Camavinga and Jude Bellingham.

To make matters worse, Brahim Diaz was injured in the 23rd minute and had to be replaced by Rodrygo. As a result, Madrid had to switch from a formation of four midfielders to three and suffered a lot of ball losses.

Thanks to Eder Militao (13) and Antonio Rüdiger (7) alone, Ancelotti’s team lost the ball 20 times in their own half of the field.

“Modric, Valverde and Arda (Güler) did a very good job, which I really appreciate,” said Ancelotti, visibly relieved that his team did not concede a goal.

At certain times, however, the midfield trio failed to keep the team united in defense and offense.

The situation should improve next week – when Bellingham and Tchouameni are expected to return – but as many have noted, Madrid still lack the experience and control of Kroos.

A mixed evening for Vinicius Junior

Vinicius Jr. scored a goal and was decisive for Madrid, but again he was criticized for it.

The Brazilian international silenced the stands at the Reale Arena after beating Alex Remiro with a penalty. There had been no major altercations at the start of the match, but then the crowd booed him and began chanting “idiot, idiot”.

When asked whether he thought his player’s gesture was right, Ancelotti preferred not to answer: “I have no opinion on that, everyone has their own opinion and I prefer to keep it to myself.”

(Cesar Ortiz/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Vinicius Jr., who was playing on the left as usual, was unconvincing with his crossing and dribbling and failed to get a single shot on goal from open play. In fact, all four of his attempts were blocked by the Real Sociedad defence.

The winger defended diligently, won two balls and also won the second penalty for Madrid, but the Brazilian’s game was definitely not geared towards his full performance.

“He is not in top form, but still very important for us,” Ancelotti admitted before the trip to San Sebastian.

In total, Vinicius Jr. has scored two goals and provided three assists in the first few weeks of the season, after a summer marked by transfer interest from Saudi Arabia and a recent CNN interview about racism.

(Top photo: Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)