Vini celebrates his first goal in the game (©Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Showdown in Madrid: Five goals, three penalties, and Vini's signs of life

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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 15.02.26. | 10:34

The Brazilian bagged a brace in Los Blancos' 4-1 win over Real Sociedad and, at least briefly, emerged from Kylian Mbappe's shadow

Kylian Mbappe's absence from the clash between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Santiago Bernabeu may have set off red alarms for some home fans, as the Frenchman has been carrying Los Blancos throughout the season with his goals (and he's already scored 38 in 31 games). However, they eventually realized there was no reason for panic, as Madrid easily brushed aside the crew from San Sebastian (4-1) and again leapfrogged Barcelona at the La Liga summit.

Over to you, Barcelona.

Real Madrid beat Real Sociedad 4-1 with goals from Gonzalo Garcia, Federico Valverde and a brace from Vinicius Junior — with both of the Brazilian's goals coming from the spot.

Hansi Flick's side play Girona on Monday evening. pic.twitter.com/r3e55F4M8U
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) February 14, 2026

Just five minutes into the game, Gonzalo Garcia broke the deadlock, ideally seizing the chance Alvaro Arbeloa gave him, but the home team's joy lasted for only 16 minutes, as Dean Huijsen conceded a penalty, which Mikel Oyarzabal sent home, levelling the score.

Still, it was only the beginning of a penalty showdown at Bernabeu, given that the referee Francisco Jose Hernandez Maeso pointed to the spot two more times (in the 25th and 48th minutes) - in favour of Madrid on both occasions.

R-for-R swap on the horizon – Rudiger to London, Romero to Madrid?

Vinicius Junior exploited Mbappe's absence to (at least briefly) step out of his shadow, converted both spot-kicks, scoring his first brace since October 4, and, with his third goal in the last two games, hinted at waking up after a lengthy subpar spell he had under Xabi Alonso.

Between the Brazilian's two goals, Federico Valverde also found the net, as Arbeloa's squad dismantled the rivals and again took the top of the league. However, they also broke some interesting records last night.

Madrid became the first team in La Liga history to score 11 goals from the spot in the opening 24 rounds. This season, they were awarded 13 penalties - more than any other side from the European top five leagues. And yet, they are always the loudest when it comes to criticizing referees.

Something doesn't quite add up there...

LA LIGA - MATCHDAY 24

Friday

Elche - Osasuna 0-0

Saturday

Espanyol - Celta 2-2 (0-1)

/Garcia 66, Dolan 86 - Jutgla 38, Iglesias 90+3/

Getafe - Villareal 2-1 (1-0)

/Arambarri 41 pen, Satriano 53 - Mikautadze 76/

Sevilla - Alaves 1-1 (1-0)

/Sow 42 - Martinez 60/

Real Madrid - Sociedad 4-1 (3-1)