La Liga: Bellingham and Mbappe shine as Real Madrid cruise past Malaga

Jude Bellingham opened Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Malaga with a solo goal, then helped create the second as the hosts settled into another commanding La Liga performance.

“

I’ve got the freedom to go higher or lower if we need, I’m enjoying myself a lot

Bellingham beat two defenders before shooting through goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero’s legs after 19 minutes. Seven minutes later, Herrero denied Kylian Mbappe, but Bellingham headed the rebound toward goal. Defender Carlos Puga tried to clear it, only for the ball to bounce in off Herrero.

Mbappe struck the third with a volley from Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross, taking his season tally to four goals and leaving him top of Spain’s scoring charts. Arda Guler completed the win late after Vinicius Junior supplied a point-blank assist.

“

It’s an honour to play for this club and in front of these fans, and the ovation was very nice

Madrid had made five changes from their opening matches, including first starts of the season for Alexander-Arnold and Marc Cucurella. Malaga threatened before halftime, when Rafa Rodriguez hit the post and Chupe found the side netting, but the promoted visitors could not turn those chances into goals.

“

The second half was more about managing the game, at a lower tempo. Malaga were calmer on the ball, but every time we stepped up the pace, it always felt like we could score one or two more

Bellingham received a standing ovation when Mourinho substituted him in the second half. “I’ve got the freedom to go higher or lower if we need, I’m enjoying myself a lot,” he told Real Madrid TV. Mourinho said the second half focused on managing the match at a lower tempo, while the clean sheet gave Madrid an objective they had been seeking.

“

One of our objectives was to keep a clean sheet