Real Madrid race into 3-0 half-time lead against Malaga in La Liga

Real Madrid took a commanding 3-0 lead into half-time against Malaga in week three of La Liga, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice before Kylian Mbappe added a third.

Bellingham opened the scoring after skilfully working his way past several Malaga players before driving a low shot into the net from the right side of the penalty area.

The England midfielder then played a part in Real Madrid’s second, with the goal officially credited to him after a sequence involving Mbappe and Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero. Mbappe carried the ball towards the penalty area and saw his initial effort saved. The ball fell to Bellingham, whose header was directed towards goal. Herrero attempted to intervene but inadvertently turned the ball into his own net.

Real Madrid extended their advantage when Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered a low cross from the right side of the box. The ball reached Mbappe in front of goal and the France forward struck a powerful finish into the right-hand side of the net.

The result was 3-0 after half an hour, with Real Madrid having registered six shots to Malaga’s three. Their dominance was also reflected in the possession figures, which stood at 61% to 39% before later rising to 66% to 34%.

Real Madrid had threatened before taking the lead. Alexander-Arnold tested Malaga from distance with a powerful effort, but his shot flew over the crossbar. He also took responsibility for several set-pieces, including a corner from the right that found Antonio Rudiger. The defender’s effort was blocked by the Malaga defence and went behind for another corner.

A further corner from the left, again taken by Alexander-Arnold, was delivered into the penalty area but claimed by Herrero. The goalkeeper was also required to deal with the pressure created by Vinicius Junior, who sent a dangerous cross into the box before the visiting defence cleared the danger.

Vinicius Junior later attempted to find a team-mate with a clever chipped pass, although Malaga’s defenders read the situation well and intercepted it. For a period, the ball remained almost entirely inside Malaga’s defensive half as Real Madrid circulated possession and looked to create another opening.

Malaga did have opportunities of their own. Joaquin Munoz curled a powerful shot from outside the penalty area narrowly wide of the left post. Rafa Rodriguez was also close to scoring after receiving a precise pass, making space for a fierce strike from the edge of the box that went just beyond the right post.

Rodriguez then went even closer when he met an accurate cross inside the area with a first-time attempt. His effort struck the left post and went out of play.

There was also a brief check for a possible Real Madrid penalty. The referee reviewed the incident with the video assistant referee but decided there was no spot-kick and signalled for play to continue.

Real Madrid largely controlled the midfield through short passing combinations, while Malaga tried to retain possession and build attacks without creating sustained danger. Jude Bellingham won a free-kick in Real Madrid’s defensive half after a challenge by Rafa Rodriguez, and Real’s defensive positioning prevented Malaga from making clear progress through the back line.

Three minutes of added time were indicated at the end of the first half, but Real Madrid remained in complete control as the interval approached.