Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe scored as Real Madrid maintained their perfect start to the La Liga season under Jose Mourinho with a comfortable 4-0 victory over Malaga at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Madrid effectively settled the contest in a devastating first-half spell, scoring three goals in just over 10 minutes to put the promoted visitors out of sight.
Bellingham opened the scoring with a brilliant individual effort before Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero turned the second into his own net. Mbappé then added a third, while Arda Guler completed the rout late in the second half.
Bellingham gave Madrid the breakthrough after 19 minutes, beating two defenders before firing through Herrero’s legs for his second goal of the season.
The England midfielder was involved again seven minutes later when Herrero saved from Mbappé. Bellingham headed the rebound back towards goal, and Carlos Puga’s attempted clearance struck the goalkeeper and bounced into the net.
Mbappe then extended Madrid’s advantage with a superb volley from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross, taking his tally to four goals this season and sending him to the top of the La Liga scoring charts.
Bellingham was substituted in the second half to a standing ovation from the Bernabeu crowd.
“I’ve got the freedom to go higher or lower if we need; I’m enjoying myself a lot,” Bellingham told Real Madrid TV about his attacking role under Mourinho.
“It’s an honour to play for this club and in front of these fans, and the ovation was very nice.”
Malaga threatened briefly before half-time, with Rafa Rodriguez hitting the post and Chupe firing into the side netting, but Madrid controlled the second half.
Bellingham struck the outside of the post as the hosts searched for another goal before Guler finally added a fourth in the closing stages after being set up by Vinicius Junior.
Mourinho was pleased with his side’s control and, more importantly, their first clean sheet of the campaign.
“The second half was more about managing the game, at a lower tempo,” Mourinho said.
“Football isn’t just about having fun with the beauty of the goals; it’s also about going home thinking that we’re a solid unit.”
The result keeps Madrid perfect after three matches, with Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius all making strong starts under Mourinho.
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