Real Madrid continued their impressive opening to the 2026/27 La Liga campaign with a commanding 4-0 victory over Malaga on Sunday.
Jose Mourinho made five changes to the team that defeated Real Sociedad in midweek, bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold, Marc Cucurella, Antonio Rudiger, Eduardo Camavinga and Brahim Diaz.
The changes did little to disrupt Madrid’s rhythm as they quickly took control of the contest.
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring inside 20 minutes after brilliantly weaving his way past several Malaga defenders before firing the ball through goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.
Madrid doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Bellingham’s header was deflected into the net by Herrero, who was credited with an own goal.
Kylian Mbappe then made it 3-0 before the half-hour mark, finishing off a dangerous cross from Alexander-Arnold.
The Frenchman followed up his midweek hat-trick with another goal as Madrid threatened to run riot.
With the outcome virtually settled before half-time, Madrid eased off the intensity after the break.
Malaga created a few promising moments, but the hosts remained largely comfortable.
Bellingham came close to adding another goal when his effort struck the near post, while Malaga briefly thought they had won a penalty after Yan Diomande was penalised for handball.
The decision was overturned following a review, with the ball having struck Diomande’s naturally positioned arm after coming off Rudiger.
Madrid eventually completed the rout late in the game.
Vinicius Junior produced a fine piece of individual play before setting up substitute Arda Guler, who calmly finished to score his first goal of the season.
The victory means Mourinho’s side have now won all three of their opening league matches, maintaining their perfect record at the start of the new campaign.
