Real Madrid beat Malaga to keep perfect LaLiga record

Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the LaLiga season with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Malaga, despite manager Mourinho making five changes to his starting line-up.

Jude Bellingham set Madrid on their way after 19 minutes with a powerful individual goal. The England midfielder drove through the Malaga defence before sending a low finish beyond goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.

Bellingham was at the centre of Madrid’s second goal seven minutes later. Herrero kept out Kylian Mbappe’s initial attempt, but Bellingham headed the rebound back towards the net and the ball eventually went in after deflecting off the Malaga goalkeeper.

Mbappe added a third in the 30th minute, meeting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross with an excellent volley to register his fourth league goal of the season.

Mourinho’s changes included first starts of the campaign for Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella, but Madrid quickly settled into their rhythm and took a commanding lead before half-time.

The pace slowed after the interval, although Madrid continued to control the match. Bellingham came close to adding another when his effort struck the post, while Malaga struggled to create a sustained threat.

The home side were given an opportunity to reduce the deficit in the 85th minute when they were awarded a penalty. However, the decision was overturned after the referee reviewed the incident at the pitchside monitor and concluded that the ball had struck Yan Diomande’s arm without intent.

Malaga’s attempts to attack then left them exposed, and Madrid took advantage in added time. Substitute Arda Guler combined with Vinicius Junior before applying the finish to complete the scoring.

The result gives Madrid nine points from their opening three matches and leaves them two points clear of Atletico de Madrid. Barcelona, who have six points, can reduce that gap when they host Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Bellingham was given a standing ovation when he was substituted and said he was enjoying the attacking freedom Mourinho had granted him in midfield.

“I’ve got the freedom to go higher or lower if we need, I’m enjoying myself a lot,” Bellingham told Real Madrid TV of his attacking midfield role under Mourinho.

“It’s an honour to play for this club and in front of these fans and the ovation was very nice.”

Mourinho was particularly pleased that Madrid recorded their first clean sheet of the season, alongside the quality of their goals.

“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,” he said.

Madrid’s next match is away to Real Betis on Friday. They will then begin their Champions League campaign against Inter Milan.