Bellingham and Mbappe lead Real Madrid to dominant win over Malaga

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe both scored as Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to La Liga under Jose Mourinho with a convincing 4-0 victory over Malaga at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Sunday.

Real Madrid established control by scoring three times in a little over 10 minutes during the first half, leaving the promoted Andalusian side with a sizeable deficit to overcome.

Bellingham broke the deadlock after 19 minutes with an outstanding individual effort. The England midfielder evaded two defenders before driving the ball between goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero’s legs to put the hosts ahead.

Malaga were then undone again seven minutes later, although Bellingham was central to the goal rather than the scorer. Herrero had initially kept out Mbappe’s attempt, but Bellingham headed the rebound back towards the target.

Defender Carlos Puga attempted to clear the ball from the line, only for it to strike the unfortunate Herrero and bounce into the net for an own goal.

Mbappe added a third soon afterwards, volleying home from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross. It was the France striker’s fourth goal of the campaign and moved him to the top of Spain’s scoring charts.

Arda Guler completed the scoring late in the match after Vinicius Junior created the opportunity, allowing Guler to finish from close range.

The result extends Real Madrid’s winning beginning to the campaign after victories in their first two matches. The attacking form of Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius Junior had already lifted confidence around the club, and the trio again made a decisive contribution against Malaga.

Mourinho made five changes to the side that had started Real Madrid’s opening fixtures. Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella were among those handed their first starts of the season as the manager rotated his team.

Despite the hosts’ commanding first-half display, Malaga had opportunities to reduce the deficit before the interval. Rafa Rodriguez struck the post after a corner was played into his path, while Chupe sent an effort into the side netting.

Real Madrid controlled the second half without needing to reach the same intensity as before the break. Malaga were unable to build enough pressure to threaten a comeback, while the home side managed the match comfortably before adding the late fourth goal.

The win keeps Real Madrid’s early-season momentum intact and gives Mourinho’s side another emphatic result as they continue their La Liga campaign.

Champions Barcelona will play their third match of the campaign on Monday when they host Rayo Vallecano. They also won their opening two games with relative ease.