Real Madrid 4-0 Málaga: Match Summary, Goals and Result
England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored a stunning goal as Real Madrid defeated Málaga 4-0 in La Liga, giving returning manager José Mourinho his third consecutive victory.
Bellingham, who scored seven goals at the summer World Cup as England finished third, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with his second goal of the season.
It was a superb individual effort. Bellingham collected the ball around 35 yards from goal, dribbled past three defenders and calmly fired past Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.
Seven minutes later, Bellingham was involved in Real Madrid's second goal. He headed towards goal after Herrero parried a shot, and the ball bounced off the goalkeeper before crossing the line. The goal was officially credited as an own goal by Herrero.
Real Madrid extended their lead to 3-0 after just 30 minutes, effectively putting the game beyond Málaga's reach.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was left out of England's World Cup squad, provided the assist with an excellent cross from the right. Kylian Mbappé finished brilliantly, volleying the ball into the net.
Real Madrid added a fourth goal in stoppage time. A quick counter-attack ended with Vinícius Jr pulling the ball back from the byline, allowing Arda Güler to tap the ball home from close range.
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After the match, Mourinho praised Bellingham, calling him an "incredible player." He also said: "He is very demanding of himself and he is also demanding of others. I didn't want to see him defend almost like a second left-back."
Speaking about the combination of Bellingham, Vinícius Jr and Mbappé, Mourinho said: "Very, very good players want to play together always, because they have the same speed of thought, the same quality and they always have to be compatible."
Mourinho added that there is "empathy and collective work" among the players and insisted that he always wants his best players on the pitch.
Mourinho returned as Real Madrid's head coach in the summer, having previously managed the club from 2010 to 2013. During his first spell, he won the Copa del Rey in 2010-11 and the La Liga title the following season.
The victory leaves Real Madrid at the top of the table with nine points. Barcelona can move level with them on Monday if they beat Rayo Vallecano at home.