Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the new La Liga season with a commanding 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Malaga at the Santiago Bernabéu, Softfootball reports.
The visitors returned to the Spanish top flight after eight years and initially looked capable of making life difficult for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, Real Madrid gradually took control, with Jude Bellingham opening the scoring in the 19th minute after driving forward before squeezing a low effort through Alfonso Herrero.
Malaga protested that Bellingham had caught Ángel Recio in the face during the build-up, but VAR upheld the referee’s decision.
Real Madrid doubled their advantage seven minutes later. Kylian Mbappé’s effort was saved by Herrero, but the resulting ball fell favourably for Bellingham, with a desperate attempt to clear from Carlos Puga eventually going into the net off his own goalkeeper.
The hosts added a third in the 30th minute when Trent Alexander-Arnold’s dangerous low cross found Mbappé, who calmly side-footed the ball home.
Bellingham remained a constant threat after the break, striking the post from a tight angle. Malaga were also denied a potential penalty after VAR overturned the referee’s decision following Antonio Rüdiger’s header hitting Yan Diomande’s arm.
Real Madrid eventually completed the scoring through Arda Güler, who tapped home from a Vinícius Júnior assist.
The result gives Real Madrid three wins from three league matches following an outstanding pre-season, while Malaga remain without a victory since returning to the top flight.
Real Madrid Player Ratings vs Malaga
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Thibaut Courtois | 6.5/10 |
| Trent Alexander-Arnold | 8.0/10 |
| Antonio Rüdiger | 7.0/10 |
| Dean Huijsen | 7.0/10 |
| Marc Cucurella | 7.5/10 |
| Federico Valverde | 7.0/10 |
| Eduardo Camavinga | 6.5/10 |
| Brahim Díaz | 7.0/10 |
| Jude Bellingham | 8.5/10 |
| Vinícius Júnior | 8.0/10 |
| Kylian Mbappé | 8.0/10 |
| Arda Güler | 7.5/10 |
Malaga Player Ratings vs Real Madrid
| Player | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alfonso Herrero | 5.0/10 |
| Carlos Puga | 5.5/10 |
| Ángel Recio | 5.5/10 |
| Einar Galilea | 5.0/10 |
| Rafita | 6.0/10 |
| Izan Merino | 6.0/10 |
| David Larrubia | 6.5/10 |
| Carlos Dotor | 6.5/10 |
| Rafa Rodríguez | 6.0/10 |
| Joaquín Muñoz | 6.0/10 |
| Chupe | 6.0/10 |
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Real Madrid | Malaga |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 15 | 15 |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 1 |
| Possession | 62% | 38% |
| Passes | 569 | 386 |
| Pass Accuracy | 92% | 90% |
| Fouls | 6 | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 0 | 2 |
| Red Cards | 0 | 0 |
| Offsides | 2 | 1 |
| Corners | 9 | 6 |
