Real Madrid showed grit and guile in San Sebastián, beating Real Sociedad 2-1 despite playing almost an hour with 10 men.

The result extends Madrid’s perfect start to the season in the La Liga and leaves La Real still searching for their first win.

Kylian Mbappé punished a loose pass from debutant Mikel Goti with a ruthless finish to give Madrid the lead, before combining with Arda Güler, who coolly doubled the advantage just before the break.

In between, Madrid had Dean Huijsen sent off for hauling down Mikel Oyarzabal in full flight, but even with a man less, Los Blancos remained incisive.

Sociedad hit both posts in a freak sequence after half-time, and their persistence was rewarded when Oyarzabal converted from the spot following Dani Carvajal’s handball.

The hosts pressed hard for an equaliser, yet Thibaut Courtois made key saves to deny Oyarzabal and Duje Ćaleta-Car as Madrid held firm.

Xabi Alonso’s men, still perfect after four games, march on with Mbappé already integral and Güler adding flair.

For Sociedad, it is back-to-back defeats and just one win in their last 14 meetings with Madrid.