Kylian Mbappé set to start for Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad as Mourinho backs trio

Kylian Mbappé will start for Real Madrid in their LaLiga 2026-27 matchweek 2 clash against Real Sociedad at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on 24 Aug 2026.

Will Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior play against Real Sociedad?

Both Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior are fully fit and training with the first team. They are expected to start for Los Blancos in the upcoming fixture. Mbappé failed to score in Real Madrid’s opening win over Espanyol but contributed to the build-up play. The Jose Mourinho-led side secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a late goal from Carlos Espi. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring after an assist from Arda Guler within ten minutes of kickoff. Real Madrid lost the lead in the 30th minute but held on to win. Being at home gives Los Blancos a clear advantage. Real Sociedad are on a poor run of form, including a weak pre-season campaign.

Are Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham incompatible at Real Madrid?

José Mourinho admitted fitting Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham into his starting 11 is a difficult task. However, he denied the three stars are incompatible. Speaking at his first news conference since returning to the club, Mourinho said they are incredible players but finding the perfect tactical role for all three is harder than for each individually. He referenced how Carlo Ancelotti, Didier Deschamps and Thomas Tuchel found ideal roles for Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham respectively with their national teams. Mourinho expressed confidence the trio will succeed together at Real Madrid. He stressed the need for commitment, tracking back and team unity, saying non-negotiables must not be negotiated.

What other challenges does Mourinho face at Real Madrid?

Mourinho arrived with several issues to address, including the strained relationship between midfielders Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde. The pair clashed last season in a dressing-room incident that led to Valverde being hospitalised. Mourinho said he had a lot of information about the situation but decided to start from zero. He aims to rebuild trust and harmony within the squad ahead of the LaLiga campaign. Madrid travel to Espanyol on Saturday for Mourinho’s first competitive game since his return, aiming to end Barcelona’s run of back-to-back titles. The club has gone two years without a major trophy and recently saw Vinícius Júnior sign a new deal after opting to stay.

• Kylian Mbappé will start for Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad on 24 Aug 2026
• José Mourinho confirmed Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham are not incompatible
• Real Madrid won their opening LaLiga match 1-0 against Espanyol on 16 Aug 2026
• Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde had a dressing-room clash last season requiring hospital treatment