Real Madrid keep moving forward. After Espanyol and Real Sociedad, José Mourinho's men signed a third consecutive win in Liga by dominating Málaga (4-0), this Sunday at the Santiago Bernabéu. A clear-cut victory, built very quickly, which confirms the progress of the new Real. But one reservation remains: the Madrid side have still not faced a genuinely big team this season.
Bellingham decisive once again
Málaga tried to resist in the opening minutes, but Real quickly took control. In the 19th minute, Jude Bellingham made the difference once more. The Englishman won the ball, beat several opponents and finished off his run with a low shot to open the scoring.
Real then stepped up the pace. In the 26th minute, Bellingham again found himself at the heart of the action. His header was parried, but the ball bounced off goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero before ending up in the net. The goal was ultimately awarded as an own goal by the Málaga keeper. 2-0.
Málaga had barely absorbed that second blow when Mbappé struck in turn. In the 30th minute, Trent Alexander-Arnold delivered an excellent cross from the right. The Frenchman attacked the near post and finished with a first-time volley. 3-0 in just eleven minutes.
A Real side controlling without forcing
With a three-goal lead, Real were able to manage the game more after the break. Bellingham could even have grabbed a brace, but his shot in the 55th minute hit the post.
Málaga then tried to take advantage of a slight let-up from the Madrid side. The most dangerous moment came in the 86th minute when a penalty was initially awarded to the visitors for an alleged handball by Yan Diomande. After a VAR check, the referee found that the ball had hit Rüdiger on the head before bouncing off the young Ivorian. The penalty was therefore overturned.
Diomande interesting, but still cautious
Brahim Díaz, who started the match, delivered a fairly quiet performance and was replaced in the 64th minute by Yan Diomande.
The Ivorian immediately brought more energy and did not hesitate to demand the ball. His appearance is interesting, even though he remains somewhat cautious in taking initiative. Having arrived recently, he still needs to gain confidence and better gauge the demands of a club like Real Madrid.
This substitution nonetheless remains encouraging. Diomande shows that he can bring drive and pace, but he will still need to have a greater impact in the final third.
Güler scores points against Brahim
Another interesting sign: Arda Güler only needed a few minutes to leave his mark on the match.
Coming on in the 87th minute, the Turk combined with Vinícius before finding himself in the box and finishing coolly in the 90+1st minute. 4-0. Another decisive appearance that inevitably fuels the competition with Brahim Díaz.
Güler had already been important in the opening matchdays and continues to show that he can lay claim to more playing time. Brahim retains his experience and his ability to play in several positions, but the Turk is clearly starting to close the gap in the pecking order.
Real are progressing, but the real test is coming
The record is perfect: three matches, three wins, nine points, with ten goals scored already. Above all, the performances seem to be improving from one match to the next. After a tough win against Espanyol, then a convincing second half against Real Sociedad, Real this time settled the matter within half an hour.
Bellingham has once again become a central player in Mourinho's system, Mbappé keeps scoring, and Trent Alexander-Arnold brings real quality in creation. At the back, Real also recorded another clean sheet.
But it is still too early to draw major conclusions. Espanyol, Real Sociedad and Málaga have not yet allowed this Real side to be measured against a top-level team.
For now, Real are winning, scoring and improving. And behind the starters, Güler and Diomande are already starting to push for more playing time.
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