Mourinho's Real Madrid make it three wins from three

Real Madrid continued their perfect start to the LaLiga season with a convincing 4-0 victory over Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu.

Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé again led the way as José Mourinho’s side scored three times in an 11-minute spell to take control. The result keeps Madrid at the top end of the table with maximum points from their opening three matches and extends the sense of optimism around Mourinho’s second spell at the club.

Bellingham back to his best

Bellingham was outstanding once again. The England midfielder appears more relaxed and influential than he was last season, with Mourinho seemingly finding a role that allows him to attack space and dictate matches.

His opening goal showcased his physical power. After Mbappé’s burst created the initial opening, Bellingham seized on the loose ball, drove forward and left several defenders behind before finishing past Alfonso Herrero.

The goal was briefly contested by Málaga players, who believed Bellingham had fouled Ángel Recio in the build-up, but the referee allowed it to stand.

“Bellingham is enjoying himself on the pitch again,” the analysis noted. “He didn’t last season. Mourinho seems to have found his place.”

The biggest tests will come against elite opponents, but Bellingham’s early-season form has been one of the defining features of Madrid’s revival.

Mbappé keeps scoring

Mbappé was involved in the first goal and scored Madrid’s third.

The second goal came after Bellingham’s header was cleared off the line by Carlos Puga, only for the ball to rebound off Herrero and into the net.

Mbappé then finished first time from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s driven cross, rewarding Mourinho’s decision to rotate his full-backs and demonstrating once again his efficiency inside the area.

The France international has now made a fast start to the campaign and is developing a productive relationship with Bellingham and Vinícius Júnior.

Five changes, same authority

Mourinho made five changes to the team that defeated Real Sociedad, having used the same starting XI in Madrid’s first two fixtures.

The alterations did not weaken the performance. Madrid were even more convincing than they had been in the midweek victory, controlling the game and taking advantage of Málaga’s risky approach from the back.

The visitors returned to the Bernabéu after eight years away and showed courage, attempting to build patiently from their own penalty area and attack vertically. However, their passing became more difficult under pressure and they struggled to maintain possession in dangerous areas.

Once Madrid had established a three-goal lead, they reduced the tempo and managed the match without taking unnecessary risks.

Vinícius and Güler complete the rout

Vinícius Júnior remained Madrid’s most dangerous attacker in the second half, although he was unable to score.

He did, however, provide the assist for the fourth goal after combining with Arda Güler. The pair exchanged passes before Güler finished in the 91st minute to complete the victory.

Yan Diomandé also made his debut, entering in the 64th minute. The youngster showed flashes of acceleration on the right but is still building his fitness after a disrupted pre-season.

Málaga briefly threatened to score when a penalty was awarded after Diomandé was judged to have handled the ball. However, the decision was overturned following a VAR review.

Madrid’s momentum continues

The result leaves Madrid with three wins from three, while Málaga have collected just one point since returning to the top flight.

Mourinho’s team still have areas to improve, but their confidence, attacking quality and defensive control are growing with every match. Bellingham looks rejuvenated, Mbappé is delivering consistently and the squad is responding positively to the manager’s methods.

For now, Madrid are moving forward with the authority of a team that believes it can challenge for everything.