3 observations from Real Madrid 4-1 Real Sociedad

Real Madrid secured a dominant 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in their inaugural match at the Bernabeu stadium this season. Kylian Mbappe's hat-trick, coupled with Vinicius Junior's goal, ensured that Jose Mourinho's return to the stadium was met with a convincing win. The match showcased several noteworthy aspects of Real Madrid's performance.

One of the main points of criticism for midfielder Dean Huijsen last season was his tendency to attempt spectacular passes, which often led to chaos. However, in this match, Huijsen demonstrated a more measured approach, completing 96% of his 72 passes with a focus on controlling the game. He played a significant role in maintaining possession and progressing the ball when it was necessary, while also understanding the importance of keeping the ball when it was not.

Another aspect that stood out was Real Madrid's improved off-ball movements and one-touch passing. While the team has historically struggled to create creativity against low blocks, against Real Sociedad, they managed to find success in such defensive setups. This shift allowed for a higher number of one-touch moves and pass-and-go plays, resulting in a goal for Mbappe. The team's movement around the box was also more cohesive, providing multiple options for passing and creating goal-scoring opportunities.

Ibrahima Konate, the floor raiser for Real Madrid, was in particularly impressive form during this match. In his two appearances for the team, Konate completed all 54 of his passes, contributed to several defensive actions, and demonstrated his ability to manage space effectively. His performances have the potential to address some of Real Madrid's defensive concerns, as he continues to recover from personal issues and find his best form in a Real Madrid jersey. If he maintains this level of play, many of the club's defensive problems may gradually diminish.