Real Madrid vs Malaga Review
For the fifth time in six seasons, Real Madrid began their LaLiga campaign with three consecutive victories, comfortably defeating Málaga 4-0. This result left Los Boquerones with only one win in their last 37 head-to-head matches against Real Madrid. Having won their last nine home league games against newly promoted teams, Real Madrid were clearly expected to maintain their perfect start to the season. Málaga started the match well, but once Real Madrid broke through, they became unstoppable, scoring three goals within 11 minutes. Jude Bellingham opened the scoring by capitalizing on a loose ball, advancing into the penalty area, feinting a shot, and calmly finishing from a tight angle.
The England international appeared to score again shortly after, but this was recorded as an own goal after his header was blocked by Carlos Puga and then deflected off Alfonso Herrero. Finally, a low, driven cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold was expertly finished first-time by Kylian Mbappé, completing the first-half scoring and effectively securing the win before halftime. Real Madrid was far from their best as the second half began, with the match seemingly slipping away from their visitors unless a minor miracle occurred. Still, Bellingham struck the post with a powerful shot, shortly before Alexander-Arnold challenged Herrero in his quest for his first goal with the club, and Mbappé suffered a knock after heading over from close range.
As the game moved toward its inevitable end, Yan Diomandé was spared a handball penalty by VAR after Antonio Rüdiger had headed a free-kick onto his arm from very close range inside the box. This kept the score unchanged, marking the fourth consecutive LaLiga season in which Los Boquerones have failed to secure a win in any of their first three matches. Substitute Arda Güler then added to their woes with a stoppage-time tap-in, making the scoreline more decisive.
Real Madrid is now on a streak of six consecutive LaLiga victories dating back to last season, having last lost in May’s El Clásico. For Málaga, it’s just two points from a possible 39 in their last 13 top-tier away games (2 draws, 11 losses), continuing the struggles they faced during their relegation season in 2017/18.
