Vinícius Júnior scored twice from the penalty spot as a Mbappé-less Real Madrid defeated Real Sociedad 4-1 on Sunday to move to the top of La Liga.

Superstar Kylian Mbappé remained on the bench after missing training sessions due to discomfort in his left knee, while Jude Bellingham was also absent with a hamstring injury. Despite their absence, Madrid delivered a dominant performance to extend their league winning streak to eight matches and go two points clear of Barcelona.

Madrid struck early when Gonzalo García redirected a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the fifth minute. Real Sociedad equalized in the 21st minute after Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty awarded for a foul by Dean Huijsen.

Vinícius restored Madrid’s lead four minutes later, calmly converting from the spot after Jon Aramburu brought him down. Captain Fede Valverde added a third in the 31st minute with a powerful strike from outside the box.

Vinícius sealed the victory after the break with his second penalty, again following a foul by Aramburu, putting the result beyond doubt.

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois made key saves to preserve Madrid’s advantage, while Dani Carvajal returned to league action around the hour mark after several months out.

Elsewhere, Borja Iglesias scored deep in stoppage time to earn Celta Vigo a 2-2 draw at Espanyol. Getafe beat Villarreal 2-1, while 10-man Sevilla held Alavés to a 1-1 draw.