Mourinho opted for consistency, naming the same starting XI that secured a narrow 2-1 win against Espanyol just days prior. The tactical gamble to integrate the club's marquee attacking talents appeared to pay off, with Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham combining to dismantle the Basque visitors in a display that suggests the manager is successfully finding a balance between his star players.
A Masterclass in Attacking Football
The breakthrough arrived five minutes before the interval when Federico Valverde threaded a precise pass to Mbappe. The French forward demonstrated his trademark composure, maneuvering past his marker before rifling a strike into the top corner to open his account for the season. Despite the momentum, Madrid were pegged back before the break when a defensive error allowed Luka Sucic to equalize, his effort finding the net via a deflection off Alvaro Carreras.
Real Madrid emerged for the second half with a more aggressive pressing structure that quickly overwhelmed their opponents. While Remiro initially denied Mbappe shortly after the restart, the goalkeeper was eventually powerless to stop the forward’s subsequent efforts. The momentum shifted decisively when Bellingham showcased his tenacity; after seeing an initial shot blocked, the England midfielder regained possession inside the penalty area to set up Vinicius Junior for a straightforward finish.
Mbappe Completes Treble as Mourinho Era Begins
With the lead restored, the partnership between the front line flourished. Vinicius Junior, having found his rhythm, turned provider by delivering a perfectly weighted pass for Mbappe, who completed his hat-trick with a delicate dink over the advancing Remiro. The goal served as the highlight of the evening, capping off a commanding performance that left the home supporters encouraged by the team's cohesion.
Following the match, Mourinho was quick to praise his star striker’s impact. “This guy is incredible,” the manager remarked, while also emphasizing the collective effort of the squad. “I see him really hungry to make history with Real Madrid, and I see a team where, despite Kylian being Kylian, it’s hard for me not to talk about the team.”
The match also saw a positive moment for Vinicius Junior, who was substituted late in the game for Yan Diomande. The Brazilian forward, who recently signed a contract extension through 2032, shared a warm embrace with Mourinho upon leaving the pitch. Real Madrid will look to maintain this momentum as the
