Jude Bellingham produced a brilliant individual goal as Real Madrid defeated Malaga 4-0 in La Liga, giving returning manager Jose Mourinho a third consecutive victory since taking charge.
The England midfielder, who scored seven goals during the summer World Cup as the Three Lions finished third, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with his second goal of the season.
Bellingham received the ball around 35 yards from goal before weaving his way past three Malaga defenders and firing a superb finish beyond goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.
The 22-year-old was involved again seven minutes later when his header forced Herrero into a save. The ball subsequently rebounded off the goalkeeper and crossed the line, with the goal eventually recorded as an own goal.
Real Madrid extended their advantage to 3-0 just after the half-hour mark, effectively putting the result beyond doubt.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, who was omitted from England’s World Cup squad, provided the assist with an excellent cross from the right, which Kylian Mbappe met with a powerful volley to score.
The hosts completed the rout in stoppage time when Vinicius Jr led a swift counter-attack before pulling the ball back from the byline for Arda Guler to finish from close range.
Speaking after the game, Mourinho praised Bellingham, describing him as an “incredible player” while highlighting the midfielder’s high standards and leadership qualities.
Mourinho also praised the attacking relationship between Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Mbappe, saying top-quality players naturally understand one another because of their similar vision, technical ability and speed of thought.
The Portuguese manager returned for a second spell as Real Madrid boss during the summer, having previously managed the club between 2010 and 2013. During his first spell, he won the Copa del Rey in the 2010-11 season and guided Madrid to the La Liga title the following campaign.
The victory leaves Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table with nine points, although Barcelona can move level with them if they defeat Rayo Vallecano at home on Monday.
