On Saturday, February 14, 2026, Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu in a LaLiga match that combined early intensity with clinical finishing, and consequential implications for the title race. Vinícius Júnior converted two penalties, Federico Valverde scored a long-range strike, and young Gonzalo García opened the scoring, while Mikel Oyarzabal answered from the spot for La Real.
By David Anderson
Match summary
Real Madrid set the tone inside five minutes, when Trent Alexander-Arnold whipped a measured cross into the box and Gonzalo García finished with a neat first touch. The game swung in momentum when Dean Huijsen conceded a penalty that Mikel Oyarzabal calmly dispatched in the 21st minute, but Madrid responded immediately. Four minutes later, Vinícius won and converted a spot kick to restore the lead, and Valverde then produced a top-corner strike to make it 3-1 by the 31st minute. Vinícius added a second penalty early in the second half to seal the night, and Madrid controlled the remainder of the match.
Key moments
- 5' — Gonzalo García opened the scoring, finishing Trent's cross.
- 21' — Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after a foul in the box to level the score.
- 25' — Vinícius Júnior won and converted a penalty to make it 2-1.
- 31' — Federico Valverde smashed a long-range shot into the top corner, his first LaLiga goal of the season.
- 48' — Vinícius converted his second penalty to push the score to 4-1.
"A comprehensive night, and one that shows Madrid can turn pressure into points," one observer noted after the final whistle.
Tactical read
Real Madrid, control and variety
Álvaro Arbeloa's side combined width and directness, using Alexander-Arnold's delivery and Vinícius' individual moments to unsettle the Sociedad backline. Valverde operated with freedom from the right half-space, timing runs and arriving as a decisive outlet, while the full-backs stretched the pitch and created crossing lanes.
Real Sociedad, pressing and missed chances
La Real entered having picked up strong recent results, and they were dangerous in phases, but a combination of small defensive lapses and the concession of two penalties proved decisive. Sociedad's willingness to press high produced moments, but it also left vulnerability behind the lines that Madrid exploited.
Players and performances
- Vinícius Júnior — Two penalties, calm from the spot, direct in take-ons and a match-defining presence.
- Federico Valverde — A key transition player, finished a spectacular strike that changed the rhythm of the match.
- Gonzalo García — Good early movement and finishing, lively in attacking areas.
- Mikel Oyarzabal — Reliable penalty conversion and his side's primary attacking outlet.
Lineups (selected)
```text
Real Madrid (approx): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold (Carvajal 60'), Alaba, Rüdiger, Carreras; Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Valverde; Vinícius, Gonzalo García, Arda Güler
Real Sociedad (approx): Remiro; Jon Martín; Aramburu; Oyarzabal; Herrera; Turrientes; other starters
```
Match statistics table
Category | Real Madrid | Real Sociedad |
|---|---|---|
Final score | 4 | 1 |
Possession | 51.8% | 48.2% |
Shots (on target) | 11 (5) | 13 (3) |
Corners | 4 | 6 |
Yellow cards | 1 | 1 |
Penalties awarded | 2 | 1 |
The broader picture, table race and momentum
Real Madrid's victory moved them to the top of LaLiga, at least temporarily, and represented an important statement in a tight title race. For Sociedad, the result ended an extended unbeaten run, and raises questions about defensive discipline when confronted by top opponents who mix individual talent with structured pressing.
Multiple viewpoints
- From Madrid's perspective, the result underlined squad depth and the capacity to win key matches even when star fitness is managed, and it offered a morale boost ahead of an upcoming Champions League playoff fixture.
- From Sociedad's perspective, the scoreline was harsh in the sense that they created chances, but the two penalties conceded were decisive, suggesting a need for greater composure in high-pressure moments.
- On refereeing, debates will focus on the number and timing of spot kicks, and on whether Sociedad's tactical approach invited those risks. Observers split between praising Madrid's ability to draw fouls in dangerous areas, and critiquing Sociedad's defensive technique in the box.
What it means next
Real Madrid now face a congested schedule that includes domestic rivals and European assignments, and the win provides breathing room in the title chase. Real Sociedad must regroup quickly, address set-piece and defensive discipline, and find a way to convert attacking spells into cleaner outcomes if they want to climb the table again.
Bottom line
The 4-1 scoreline on February 14, 2026, was both a tactical success and a psychological lift for Real Madrid, who combined individual moments from Vinícius and Valverde with team structure to beat a strong Real Sociedad outfit. Football matches turn on small margins, and on this night the margins went Madrid's way.
If you want a deeper statistical breakdown, starting XI heat maps, or a player-by-player rating, say the word and I will pull those details together.