KYLIAN Mbappé stole the show with a hat-trick as Real Madrid turned a shaky start into a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in their first home match of the LaLiga season.
Madrid were booed by the Santiago Bernabéu crowd after a sluggish opening, but Mbappé changed the mood in the 40th minute with a brilliant finish off a Federico Valverde pass.
Luka Sucic equalized four minutes later, but Real Madrid came out transformed after halftime in Jose Mourinho’s first home match back at the Bernabéu in more than 13 years.
Mbappé restored Madrid’s lead on the hour mark following a quick exchange with Jude Bellingham before Vinicius Jr. made it 3-1 in the 68th minute.
The French superstar completed his treble 10 minutes from time, calmly chipping the ball over Alex Remiro after a clever pass from Vinicius.
Mourinho said the boos from the demanding Madrid faithful helped push his players to respond.
“The odd boo now and then doesn’t do anyone any harm, it helps you grow,” said Mourinho.
From boos to cheers, Mbappé made sure Madrid’s homecoming ended in style. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
