Quick Read
- Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
- Vinicius Jr. scored two penalties, while Gonzalo Garcia and Fede Valverde also found the net for Real Madrid.
- The victory moved Real Madrid two points clear at the top of La Liga, extending their league winning streak to eight games.
- It was the first defeat for Real Sociedad manager Pellegrino Matarazzo after a nine-game unbeaten run.
- Real Madrid is set to face Benfica in a crucial UEFA Champions League playoff match on Tuesday.
MADRID (Azat TV) – Real Madrid ascended to the top of La Liga on Saturday, February 14, 2026, following a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu. The win, highlighted by two penalty conversions from Vinicius Jr., not only propelled Los Blancos two points clear of rivals Barcelona but also marked the first defeat for Real Sociedad’s American manager, Pellegrino Matarazzo, after an impressive nine-game unbeaten streak across all competitions.
The crucial league fixture saw Real Madrid extend their La Liga winning streak to eight consecutive matches, setting a formidable tone as they prepare for a pivotal UEFA Champions League clash next week. For Real Sociedad, the loss halts their momentum but leaves them in eighth place, with their Copa Del Rey semifinal hopes still alive.
Real Madrid’s Dominant Performance
Real Madrid wasted no time asserting their dominance, with 21-year-old Gonzalo Garcia opening the scoring just five minutes into the match, expertly steering Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross past Real Sociedad keeper Alex Remiro. However, Real Sociedad responded in the 21st minute when Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty after Dean Huijsen committed a foul on Yangel Herrera, leveling the score.
The parity was short-lived. Four minutes later, Vinicius Jr. restored Real Madrid’s lead from the spot after Jon Aramburu brought him down. The Brazilian calmly sent Remiro the wrong way. Federico Valverde then added to Real Madrid’s tally in the 31st minute, curling a superb shot into the top corner from the edge of the box, extending their lead to 3-1 before halftime. Vinicius Jr. completed his brace and Real Madrid’s scoring three minutes into the second half, winning and converting another penalty after Aramburu again clipped him, securing the comprehensive 4-1 victory, as reported by Al Jazeera Sport.
Matarazzo’s Streak Concludes for Real Sociedad
The defeat was a significant moment for Real Sociedad, marking the first loss for manager Pellegrino Matarazzo since he took charge in late December. Under his leadership, La Real had enjoyed a remarkable nine-game unbeaten run across both La Liga and the Copa Del Rey, a turnaround that had garnered considerable attention, as noted by CBS Sports. Despite the setback, Real Sociedad remains in eighth position in the league standings.
Matarazzo’s tenure has been characterized by a noticeable improvement in the team’s performance, optimizing their abilities without major personnel changes. The team had also secured a 1-0 victory in the first leg of their Copa Del Rey semifinal against Athletic Club midweek, demonstrating their competitive spirit. Real Sociedad’s upcoming fixtures include two home La Liga matches against relegation-threatened Real Oviedo and Mallorca, offering opportunities to regain form before their Copa Del Rey second leg in early March.
Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash
The convincing win over Real Sociedad provides Real Madrid with significant momentum heading into a crucial week. Los Blancos are set to face Benfica in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League playoff on Tuesday. This encounter carries added significance as Real Madrid will be looking for revenge after being beaten 4-2 by the Portuguese giants last month, a game where Benfica’s goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a dramatic late goal to help his side qualify for the knockout rounds.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa strategically rested key players, including Kylian Mbappe, during the Real Sociedad match, ensuring they are fit and ready for the demanding European fixture. The Champions League playoff will determine which team advances to the last 16 of the tournament, adding immense pressure to Real Madrid’s upcoming away trip to Lisbon.
La Liga Title Race Heats Up
Real Madrid’s victory places them provisionally at the summit of La Liga with 60 points, creating a two-point cushion over second-placed Barcelona. However, the title race remains fiercely contested, as Barcelona, last season’s champions, have a game in hand. They will have the opportunity to reclaim the top spot when they face local rivals Girona on Monday evening in a Catalan Derby.
Girona, currently battling to avoid relegation and sitting four points above the drop zone, will present a challenging opponent for Hansi Flick’s men. The outcomes of these upcoming matches will be critical in shaping the trajectory of the 2025-2026 La Liga season, with both Madrid and Barcelona vying for supremacy.
The strategic timing of Real Madrid’s dominant win, coupled with the tactical resting of key players, underscores their clear focus on navigating both the domestic title race and their high-stakes European campaign simultaneously, signaling a determined push on multiple fronts.