Real Madrid go top as Bellingham stars in four-goal win over Malaga

Real Madrid moved temporarily to the top of La Liga with a convincing 4-0 victory over Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu, with Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe among the standout performers.

The result gives Real Madrid nine points from their opening three matches. They will remain top until the outcome of Barcelona’s game against Rayo Vallecano is known.

An AS assessment of Real Madrid’s players highlighted a strong all-round performance, with several of the club’s summer additions and returning regulars making a significant impact.

Thibaut Courtois had little to do in the first half, despite Malaga managing to reach the Real Madrid penalty area twice. On both occasions, their efforts went wide. The goalkeeper was secure when called upon to make his only save and kept a clean sheet for the first time this season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold responded impressively in his first league start. Competition from Denzel Dumfries appeared to bring an extra edge to his performance, and he was one of Real Madrid’s best players before half-time. He produced the first chance of the match with a difficult effort that passed narrowly wide, before setting up Mbappe for Real Madrid’s third goal. His display also showed greater strength and enthusiasm than in his first season.

Antonio Rudiger offered authority and consistency in his first league start of the campaign. Malaga did not put Real Madrid’s defence under sustained pressure, but the Germany international remained solid throughout.

Dean Huijsen continued the encouraging form he has shown since the start of the league season. He was serious and concentrated at the back, while also showing greater strength and aggression in his challenges.

Marc Cucurella was warmly anticipated by the home supporters and did not disappoint on his first start. Operating on the left alongside Vinicius Junior, he helped create a dangerous flank. His defensive contribution was equally notable, as his strength and energy enabled him to win back possession and lift the atmosphere inside the Bernabeu.

Eduardo Camavinga produced an excellent first half, combining intensity with power when regaining the ball. He initiated the move for Real Madrid’s third goal with a fine pass that cut through Malaga’s defensive lines. There were moments when he appeared hesitant, prompting some murmurs from the stands, but his overall contribution in midfield was strong.

Federico Valverde gave Real Madrid control and balance. It was not the most spectacular performance from the Uruguay international, but he dictated the rhythm of the match and formed a dependable partnership with Camavinga.

Brahim Diaz was not heavily involved in possession, although, like Vinicius, he worked hard defensively. Just before half-time, he carried the ball from inside his own half on a solo run that earned applause from the Bernabeu crowd.

Jude Bellingham underlined his growing leadership within the side and looked in excellent physical condition. He opened the scoring after driving forward from outside the penalty area and dribbling past several opponents.

Six minutes later, Bellingham reacted quickest after Malaga’s goalkeeper parried a shot from Mbappe. He attempted to head the loose ball into the net, but a defender cleared it. The ball then rebounded off the goalkeeper and crossed the line to put Real Madrid 2-0 ahead. Bellingham came close to adding another early in the second half, only for his shot to strike the post.

Vinicius Junior was the least influential of Real Madrid’s attacking players before the interval, but his defensive discipline was clear. He repeatedly tracked back to support Cucurella. After continuing to attack in the second half, despite being inaccurate with his final pass, he eventually turned his persistence into an assist for Arda Guler, who scored the final goal.

Kylian Mbappe was a constant threat once he reached top speed. He pressed energetically and created almost all of Real Madrid’s danger apart from Bellingham’s opportunities. Alexander-Arnold’s precise pass allowed him to score with the calm finish associated with the game’s best forwards. Mbappe now has four goals this season and remains the league’s leading scorer.

Ousmane Diomande showed his ability in several moments and came close to creating a chance for Mbappe with the final opportunity of the game.

Bernardo Silva helped preserve Real Madrid’s control when the team played out from the back, while Guler completed the scoring following Vinicius’s excellent final pass.

Readers can discuss the subjects and news in greater depth on the Kooora forums.