Real Madrid go top with 4-0 win over Malaga as winning run continues

Real Madrid moved to the top of La Liga with a third consecutive victory under Jose Mourinho, beating Malaga 4-0 in their third-round meeting.

Jude Bellingham, an own goal from Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target as Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the campaign.

The result gives Real Madrid nine points from three matches. They had previously defeated Espanyol and Real Sociedad before completing a third successive league win against Malaga.

Malaga remain 19th in the table, one place above the bottom, with one point from their opening three games.

Bellingham sets Real Madrid on their way

Real Madrid began with intensity, applying sustained pressure as they looked to take control of the match from the opening stages.

Their approach produced the first goal in the 19th minute. Bellingham found space inside the penalty area and finished with a low shot to put the visitors ahead.

Seven minutes later, Real Madrid doubled their advantage in unfortunate circumstances for Malaga. Bellingham met a cross with a header, and the ball ended up in the net via goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero, who was credited with an own goal.

Mbappe added a third in the 30th minute. The France forward completed a move by striking after receiving a low cross, leaving Malaga with a significant deficit before the interval.

Malaga had an opportunity to reduce the arrears shortly before half-time. In the 43rd minute, Rafa Rodriguez hit the post with a shot, but the ball went out of play for a goal kick rather than finding the net.

The pace dropped after the break, with Real Madrid adopting a more measured approach once their three-goal lead had been established. They were able to manage the remainder of the match without needing to maintain the same level of attacking pressure.

There was a late moment of uncertainty when the referee reviewed a possible penalty for Malaga. The video assistant referee check took place in the 86th minute, but the decision was not to award a spot-kick.

Real Madrid completed the scoring in the first minute of added time. Guler took advantage of an unguarded goal and struck into the empty net to make it 4-0.

The referee brought the match to an end shortly afterwards, confirming Real Madrid’s fourth successive league victory of the season and preserving their 100% record.