Real Madrid continued their flawless start to the La Liga season, securing a convincing 4-0 victory over Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu. Jose Mourinho’s side dominated the match, netting three goals in a clinical 10-minute first-half burst that effectively put the game out of reach for the Andalusian visitors.
Jude Bellingham ignited the scoring in the 19th minute with a brilliant individual effort, maneuvering past two defenders before firing a shot through the legs of Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero. Just seven minutes later, Bellingham was involved again; after Herrero saved an initial attempt from Kylian Mbappe, the England international headed the rebound toward the net, where it deflected off defender Carlos Puga and into the goal off the unfortunate goalkeeper.
Mbappe added a third shortly after, connecting with a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold to volley home his fourth goal of the campaign. This strike places the Frenchman at the top of the Spanish scoring charts. The scoring was rounded off late in the game when Vinicius Junior set up substitute Arda Guler for a simple tap-in from point-blank range.
Mourinho, who rotated his squad by making five changes—including handing first starts of the season to Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella—expressed satisfaction with the team’s defensive discipline. “One of our objectives was to keep a clean sheet,” the manager noted, marking the first time the team has achieved this feat this season. “Football isn’t just about having fun with the beauty of the goals; it’s also about going home thinking that we’re a solid unit.”
Reflecting on his role, Bellingham, who received a standing ovation upon his substitution, praised the tactical freedom granted by Mourinho. “I’ve got the freedom to go higher or lower if we need, I’m enjoying myself a lot,” he told Real Madrid TV. “It’s an honor to play for this club and in front of these fans and the ovation was very nice.”
Despite the comfortable lead, Malaga attempted to respond before the break, with Rafa Rodriguez striking the post and Chupe hitting the side netting. However, Madrid managed the game effectively in the second half, maintaining control even as the tempo slowed. Bellingham also came close to adding to his tally, hitting the outside of the post during the second period.
Mourinho acknowledged the shift in intensity after the interval, stating, “The second half was more about managing the game, at a lower tempo. Malaga were calmer on the ball, but every time we stepped up the pace, it always felt like we could score one or two more.”
With three wins from three, Madrid remains in high spirits as they continue their campaign. Meanwhile, defending champions Barcelona are set to face Rayo Vallecano on Monday, looking to keep pace after their own successful start to the season. The report also notes that the former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star was given a standing ovation from the fans when he was substituted in the second half. The report also notes that beating two defenders before drilling through Herrero’s legs, bellingham opened the scoring after 19 minutes with an excellent solo goal.
