Kylian Mbappe produced a magnificent hattrick as Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu, giving Jose Mourinho another victory and strengthening the sense of optimism surrounding his dramatic return to the Spanish capital.

After beginning his second spell in charge with a narrow 2-1 victory away at Espanyol, Mourinho watched his side deliver a much more convincing performance on Wednesday night. Real Sociedad proved stubborn opponents for long periods, but Jose’s attacking quality eventually proved decisive to provide the win for Real Madrid.

Mbappe scored three times, while Vinicius Junior also found the net as Real Madrid turned a competitive contest into a comfortable victory in the second half.

The result means the win for Real Madrid gives Mourinho two victories from his opening two La Liga matches, providing exactly the kind of start supporters had hoped for when the Portuguese coach returned to the Bernabeu.

Mbappe produces brilliant hattrick for Real Madrid

Real Sociedad arrived at the Bernabeu determined to spoil Mourinho’s homecoming, and for much of the first half they succeeded in frustrating the hosts.

Madrid dominated possession but struggled to find a clear opening against a disciplined visiting defence. That changed five minutes before the interval when Mbappe demonstrated the quality that has made him one of the world’s most dangerous forwards.

A pass from Federico Valverde found the Frenchman inside the penalty area, where his superb first touch took him away from his marker. Mbappe then drove his finish beyond the goalkeeper to give Madrid the lead.

Real Sociedad responded almost immediately.

Just four minutes later, Luka Sucic benefited from a deflection and fired the ball into the net, restoring parity and ensuring the home side would not have everything their own way.

At half-time, Madrid were facing a genuine test.

The second half, however, belonged to Mbappe and his teammates.

Bellingham brilliance helps seal win for Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham played a central role in turning the game in Madrid’s favour.

The England midfielder combined brilliantly with Mbappe for the Frenchman’s second goal, exchanging passes with the striker before Mbappe calmly placed his finish beyond the goalkeeper.

It was the type of combination that will excite Madrid supporters because it demonstrated the attacking chemistry developing between two of the club’s biggest stars.

Bellingham was involved again shortly afterwards.

His persistence inside the box allowed him to create an opportunity for Vinicius Junior, who finished from close range to put Madrid firmly in control.

Suddenly, a game that had looked difficult for Mourinho’s team had become a convincing home victory.

The final word belonged to Mbappe.

Vinicius produced a fine pass into the box, allowing the French forward to run onto the ball before lifting a composed finish over the goalkeeper.

His third goal completed an outstanding hattrick and provided the highlight of a memorable night at the Bernabeu.

Mourinho receives huge Bernabeu welcome

While Mbappe naturally dominated the headlines, the occasion was also about Mourinho.

The Portuguese coach returned to the Bernabeu for the first time in 13 years, and the reception from supporters demonstrated that his popularity has survived his long absence.

When Mourinho’s name was announced before kick-off, the stadium responded with a huge roar, followed by chants celebrating the returning manager.

His previous spell at Real Madrid produced three domestic trophies and 128 victories in 178 matches. Expectations are therefore enormous this time around.

Mourinho knows that simply competing will not be enough.

As he has already acknowledged, a trophyless campaign would be considered a failure at a club where success is measured by silverware.

That makes the early results particularly important.

A narrow victory at Espanyol provided Mourinho with three points, but the win for Real Madrid against Real Sociedad offered a much stronger indication of what his team could become.

Real Madrid supporters begin to believe

There is already a sense among Madrid supporters that Mourinho could restore the club’s competitive edge.

Two matches do not prove that a team is ready to challenge for major honours, but two wins have provided the perfect foundation for the new era.

The victory over Real Sociedad was especially encouraging because Madrid had to work for it. They did not simply overwhelm their opponents from the opening whistle. Instead, they remained patient, survived the equaliser and eventually used their individual quality to take control.

That resilience will be important as the season develops.

Mbappe’s performance will also encourage Mourinho. The Frenchman looked confident, clinical and increasingly comfortable as the central attacking figure, while his combinations with Bellingham and Vinicius offered glimpses of a potentially devastating forward line.

For a manager returning under enormous pressure, those are promising signs.

Mbappe and Mourinho deliver perfect Bernabeu night

The win for Real Madrid was ultimately built around Mbappe’s extraordinary finishing, but it was also a night that reinforced the optimism surrounding Mourinho’s return.

The Portuguese has now won both of his opening league matches, while Mbappe has announced himself in spectacular fashion with a hattrick that could become one of the defining performances of Madrid’s early season.

Real Sociedad made the hosts work for the victory, but Madrid’s quality eventually proved too much.

It is far too early to talk seriously about trophies, but after a long wait for his return, Mourinho could hardly have imagined a better beginning.