4-0 scoreline reflects Madrid’s early control against Malaga

Madrid take control before half-time

Real Madrid defeated Malaga 4-0 at the Bernabéu on Sunday, securing a comfortable La Liga victory. Jose Mourinho’s 4-2-3-1 side led 3-0 at half-time after a decisive opening 30 minutes, while Juan Funes’ Malaga could not turn their periods of possession into a serious scoring threat.

Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a normal goal, giving Madrid the lead after a controlled start. Seven minutes later, A. Herrero scored an own goal to double the advantage. Kylian Mbappé then made it 3-0 in the 30th minute, with Trent Alexander-Arnold providing the assist. The quick sequence of goals effectively settled the contest before the interval.

Malaga create little on target

Malaga made changes at half-time and during the second period, with R. Rodriguez replaced by P. Martinez in the 46th minute, followed by further substitutions involving J. Munoz, C. Puga and E. Galilea. The changes did not produce a comeback. Madrid also introduced Y. Diomande for B. Diaz in the 65th minute and B. Silva for F. Valverde in the 77th.

The statistics show Madrid’s control, although Malaga’s total shot count was not far behind. Real Madrid attempted 17 shots to Malaga’s 13, but the difference in accuracy was substantial: Madrid had seven shots on goal, compared with only one for the visitors. Malaga registered seven shots off goal and eight from outside the box, helping explain why their shot total did not translate into goals. Madrid also had the stronger expected-goals figure, 2.34 to 0.67, and held 57% possession while completing 546 of 596 passes.

Mbappé leads the ratings as Madrid add late gloss

Mbappé was the standout performer, receiving a match rating of 8.9. He scored once and recorded three shots on target during his 92 minutes. Bellingham was also influential, earning an 8.5 rating after scoring, producing two shots on target, making a key pass and completing two tackles. Alexander-Arnold added three key passes as well as his assist.

Madrid added a fourth goal in the 90th minute when A. Guler scored, assisted by Vinícius Júnior. Malaga’s Chupe was booked in the 66th minute and R. Enriquez received a yellow card in the 90th, while Madrid finished with no bookings.

Result strengthens Madrid’s start

The win extends Real Madrid’s perfect start to three points from the match and leaves them fourth in the current La Liga table with six points from two games, a record of two wins and a goal difference of four. Their pre-match form had already been two consecutive wins. Malaga, who came in after a loss and a draw, remain 18th with one point from two matches, one draw and one defeat, and a goal difference of minus two.