Real Madrid barely beat Espanyol over the weekend in their 2026/27 La Liga opener, but they were by far the better side on Matchday 2, blowing out a bigger club in Real Sociedad 4-1. Here are the stars and the flops from another league victory for Jose Mourinho.
Star: ST Kylian Mbappe
Much, much better from Kylian Mbappe. He stood out above his peers with a beautiful hat trick to sink La Real, bouncing back from a terrible game against Espanyol in which he did not score on 10 shots. This was more like what Real Madrid striker should do, and he also had three key passes to the good.
Star: AM Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham was honestly nearly as good as Mbappe despite not getting a hat trick, as he had a brace of assists and did all the other work to help his team win. The England international had four key passes, seven combined dribbles completed and fouls drawn, and won two tackles. He is the best all around midfielder in the world.
Star: RW Arda Guler
If Jude is Real's Player of the Season through two games, then Arda Guler is second in the running. He is thriving in thise false winger role for Jose Mourinho, producing a team high five key passes. At this rate, he may break Mesut Ozil's record for most chances created per 90 in a Real Madrid season. And he is working hard defensively, too.
Star: LW Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior was the flop of the match against Espanyol but did much better against La Real, scoring and assisting to prove decisive again. He was not as active in terms of taking defenders on, but he was a lot more efficient in the final third, actually creating chances for his team.
Flop: LB Alvaro Carreras
Hooked off at the half for Marc Cucurella, Alvaro Carreras did absolutely nothing besides get a yellow card. His days of starting are over with Cucu getting to full fitness.
Star: CM Fede Valverde
Fede Valverde was more impactful in this match than against Espanyol, delivering an assist and working hard on both ends of the pitch to help the team. He was better at creating chances and being decisive.
Star: CM Bernardo Silva
With seven combined tackles and interceptions, Bernardo Silva did more of what Jose Mourinho envisioned at Real Madrid in this one, bouncing back from a quiet game against Espanyol by actually winning possession and running the floor. Silva in this form is exactly what Madrid need.
Star: CB Dean Huijsen
Dean Huijsen looks like the unsung hero to start the new Real Madrid season, so maybe the Merengues don't need a new center back after all. Huijsen was composed as a marker and world class with his passing on the ball once again.
Add us as a preferred source on Google