Real Madrid Go Top of La Liga with 4-0 Win Over Malaga
- Real Madrid climbed back to the top of the La Liga standings following a commanding 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Malaga during their third fixture of the 2026-27 season,...
- Real Madrid controlled the tempo early, seizing an early advantage when Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with an individual effort.
- Mourinho’s tactical alignment featured several notable personnel choices across the pitch.
Real Madrid climbed back to the top of the La Liga standings following a commanding 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Malaga during their third fixture of the 2026-27 season, according to match reports. Played at the Santiago Bernabeu, the match marked Jose Mourinho’s second home game back in charge of Los Blancos and featured goals from Jude Bellingham, an own goal by Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero, and a late strike from Kylian Mbappe.
Match Overview and Scoring Details
Real Madrid controlled the tempo early, seizing an early advantage when Jude Bellingham opened the scoring with an individual effort. The lead expanded further when an unfortunate own goal by Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero put the home side in a comfortable position before halftime. Kylian Mbappe continued his strong scoring form by adding a well-executed volleyed goal on the half-hour mark, following up on a midweek hat-trick. Trent Alexander-Arnold provided the assist for Mbappe’s strike, anchoring a strong first-half display that earned the English defender an 8.0 rating. Later in stoppage time, Vinicius Junior set up substitute Arda Guler to seal the 4-0 scoreline.
Player Performances and Tactical Adjustments
Mourinho’s tactical alignment featured several notable personnel choices across the pitch. Antonio Rudiger made his first appearance of the season in central defense, earning a 6.5 rating for a solid outing alongside Dean Huijsen, who received a 7.0 rating after playing his third match in eight days. Marc Cucurella also featured prominently, with match assessments noting that Real Madrid’s investment in the left-back is already paying dividends through his contributions on both flanks. In the midfield, Eduardo Camavinga stepped into a vital role following an injury to Aurelien Tchouameni and the club’s summer transfer window limitations. Camavinga earned a 7.0 rating for helping control the center of the pitch and contributing defensively. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois secured his first clean sheet of the season, needing to make only a single save throughout the match.
