Real Madrid secured a 4-0 victory over promoted Malaga at home on Sunday, August 30, maintaining their perfect start to the LaLiga season with 9 points from three matches [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a solo run that helped Real take an early lead [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 6, 7]. About seven minutes later, Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero conceded an own goal during a scramble, doubling Madrid's advantage [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Kylian Mbappe then volleyed in a cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold in the 30th minute to make it 3-0 for the home side [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7]. The fourth goal came in added time from substitute Arda Guler, who combined with Vinicius Junior before scoring [3, 4, 6, 7].
The win marked Real Madrid's first clean sheet of the season, a sign of defensive improvement after earlier matches [5]. Malaga had a penalty awarded in the 85th minute but VAR overturned the decision, denying them a chance to reduce the deficit [7].
Jude Bellingham, playing a more free attacking midfield role under manager José Mourinho, has now contributed two goals and two assists in three league games. He received a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 87th minute [5, 8, 6]. Bellingham said, “I'm enjoying it a lot. That's why I'm playing well,” and added in another interview, “If the team needs me, I can play further forward or drop back. I really enjoy the way I’m playing now” [5, 8].
Mourinho praised the team’s controlled performance in the second half, saying, “The second half was more about managing the game, at a lower tempo. Malaga were calmer on the ball, but every time we stepped up the pace, it always felt like we could score one or two more.” He also commented, “Football is not just about enjoying the beauty of scoring goals, but making you feel at home that we are a very solid team” [5, 6].
Real Madrid will look to maintain their winning run when they face their next LaLiga opponents in their fourth league match.
