Jude Bellingham scores twice as Real Madrid cruises past Málaga 3-0 in LaLiga

Jude Bellingham needed just 19 minutes to remind everyone why Real Madrid paid a fortune for him. The 23-year-old Englishman scored twice before halftime as Los Blancos dismantled Málaga CF 3-0 at the Estadio Bernabéu on August 30, with Kylian Mbappé adding a late flourish to complete the rout in Jornada 3 of the LaLiga EA Sports season.

Bellingham’s double sets the stage

The opening goal arrived in the 19th minute. Bellingham found space inside the box and fired a right-footed shot from close range that Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero couldn’t keep out.

His second came roughly seven minutes later, though this one required a touch more chaos. Bellingham met a cross with a header, which Herrero initially saved. The ball bounced back into the danger zone, and Bellingham was first to react. There was some post-match debate about whether the goal should be classified as an own goal by Herrero, given the nature of the rebound, but it was credited to Bellingham on the scoresheet.

Mbappé then sealed the result later in the second half, converting to make it 3-0. Málaga, managed by Funes, had traveled to the Bernabéu with whatever optimism a side can muster against the reigning giants. By the 30th minute, that optimism was gone.

Mourinho’s attacking blueprint takes shape

Three matches into the LaLiga season, Real Madrid under Mourinho’s second stint are starting to show a clear identity. The Portuguese manager, whose previous tenure at the club between 2010 and 2013 was defined by intense rivalries and a counter-attacking philosophy, has granted Bellingham more freedom in attacking phases this time around.

With Bellingham operating between the lines and Mbappé providing the cutting edge up front, Mourinho has offensive weapons that most managers can only dream of deploying. Bellingham’s first goal against Málaga was a textbook example: a player with a midfielder’s brain making a striker’s run, finishing with composure. His second showed the instinct to follow up on the initial effort that didn’t find the net cleanly.

What this means for the LaLiga title race

Real Madrid began the 2026-27 campaign with ambitions to reclaim the title, having already bagged victories in previous rounds, including a notable win against Espanyol. Their ability to put games to bed early — two goals inside 27 minutes against Málaga — takes pressure off the defense across what promises to be a grueling season of domestic and European commitments.

For Málaga, the result was a harsh reminder of the gap between the top of LaLiga and the rest. Herrero made saves but was ultimately overwhelmed, and Funes will need to find solutions quickly if his side, blending experienced players and academy products, is going to survive at this level.