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Alsharq Tribune-M.Essam
Vinicius Junior scored two penalties as Real Madrid moved to the top of La Liga on Saturday night with a 4-1 win at home to Real Sociedad who suffered its first defeat since Pellegrino Matarazzo took charge.
Gonzalo Garcia put Real Madrid ahead at the start of the game against a Real Sociedad team that had several changes from the team that won 1-0 away to Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday night.
Although Mikel Oyarzabal equalized from the penalty spot in the 21st minute, Vinicius scored the first of his penalties just four minutes later after being fouled by Jon Aramburu, and Fede Valverde hit home a powerful shot against a rival that showed signs of fatigue from its midweek efforts.
Vinicius scored a second penalty early in the second half as his side went above FC Barcelona, who plays on Monday night in Girona.
Espanyol remains without a win in 2026 after a 2-2 draw at home to Celta Vigo, who took the lead in the first half through Ferran Jutgla in the 38th minute.
Substitute Kike Garcia fired home a left-foot shot to equalize in the 65th minute and after Celta's Borja Iglesias had a goal ruled out for offside, Tyrhys Dolan gave Espanyol the lead after being set up by Ramon Terrats.
Iglesias equalized with a close-range finish after good work from Pablo Duran.
Getafe won 2-1 at home to Villarreal to take a big step away from the relegation zone.
Mauro Arambarri slotted home a 41st minute penalty after foul on Luis Vazquez, and recent signing Martin Satriano doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, before Georges Mikautadze gave Villarreal hope with 15 minutes left to play, although Getafe's players are experts in closing out games.
Sevilla and Alaves drew 1-1 after Sevilla was reduced to 10 men after just 16 minutes after Juanlu Sanchez was shown two quickfire yellow cards.
Djibril Sow put his 10-man team ahead in the 42nd minute but Toni Martinez levelled for Alaves in the 60th minute, who saw a goal ruled out for a tight offside against Lucas Boye shortly afterwards.
In a tense end to the match Sevilla saw coach Matias Almeyda and a midfielder sent off for their protests from the touchline.
Elche and Osasuna kicked off the weekend with a 0-0 draw that keeps Elche in the relegation mix and continues Osasuna's positive run of results, although the game itself was a grim affair for most of the 90 minutes.
