Real Madrid vs Málaga ended in a dominant 4-0 victory, with Arda Güler scoring late as Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappé helped control the match.
The second half may not have produced the same volume of goals until stoppage time, but Madrid continued to create chances and kept Málaga under pressure throughout the match. Jude Bellingham struck the post, Kylian Mbappé was repeatedly involved in dangerous attacking moments, and Vinícius Júnior provided the assist for Arda Güler’s late goal.15 Champions League Players to Watch in 2026/27: Superstars & Young Guns
Arda Güler Makes an Instant Impact
The standout moment of the closing stages came in the 90th minute when Arda Güler added Real Madrid’s fourth goal.
Having entered the match in the 87th minute in place of Jude Bellingham, Güler needed only a few minutes to make his mark. Vinícius Júnior led a fast break before setting up the Turkish midfielder, who finished from close range into the bottom-left corner.
It was the perfect ending to a dominant Madrid performance and underlined the depth available in their attacking options.
Real Madrid Continue to Create Chances
Despite already holding a 3-0 lead at the break, Real Madrid continued to attack in the second half.
Bellingham came closest to adding another goal early in the half when his left-footed effort struck the post after good work from Vinícius. The England midfielder later missed another opportunity, while Mbappé saw a close-range header saved by Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also forced Herrero into action with an effort from the right side of the penalty area.
Madrid were unable to add to their advantage immediately, but their constant pressure eventually produced a fourth goal through Güler.
Málaga Show More Fight After the Break
Málaga created several opportunities during the second half despite the difficult scoreline.
David Larrubia tested Thibaut Courtois with a shot from outside the box, while Chupe and Haitam Abaida both saw efforts blocked as Málaga attempted to find a way back into the match.
Málaga were briefly given hope late in the game when a potential penalty situation was reviewed, but VAR ultimately confirmed that no penalty would be awarded.
Their attacking efforts, however, could not prevent Real Madrid from securing a comprehensive clean-sheet victory.
Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé Remain Constant Threats
Vinícius Júnior was heavily involved in Real Madrid’s attacking play throughout the second half.
He created Bellingham’s chance that hit the post and later provided the assist for Güler’s goal during a quick counterattack.
Mbappé also remained a constant danger. He had a long-range effort saved in stoppage time and earlier saw his close-range header stopped by Alfonso Herrero.
Although Madrid’s fourth goal arrived late, the attacking pressure from their key players ensured Málaga spent much of the second half defending.
Real Madrid 4-0 Málaga: Match Analysis
Real Madrid’s biggest strength was their ability to maintain control despite already establishing a comfortable lead before half-time.
Rather than sitting back, Madrid continued to push forward and created multiple chances through Bellingham, Mbappé, Vinícius and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The introduction of Güler provided a perfect finishing touch. His late goal came from a fast break and highlighted Madrid’s ability to remain dangerous even in the final minutes.
Málaga deserve credit for continuing to attack and creating several opportunities, particularly through Larrubia and Chupe, but Courtois and the Real Madrid defence preserved the clean sheet.
In the end, the result reflected Madrid’s superiority. A 3-0 lead became a 4-0 victory, with Güler’s late strike sealing an emphatic night.
Real Madrid vs Málaga Result
Real Madrid 4-0 Málaga
Goals:
- Real Madrid — Three goals in the first half
- Arda Güler — 90’+1′
Assist:
- Vinícius Júnior — 90’+1′
Real Madrid finish the match with four goals, a clean sheet and another convincing performance.
The Worst World Cup Teams Ever: Historic Thrashings and Total Collapses
Live Commentry
FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Málaga.
90’+4′ — FULL-TIME: Real Madrid 4-0 Málaga. The referee brings the match to an end after a dominant performance from Real Madrid.
90’+4′ — Arda Güler tries his luck from a difficult angle on the right, but his effort is blocked.
90’+3′ — Ramón Enríquez is shown a yellow card for Málaga following a bad foul.
90’+3′ — Kylian Mbappé tests Alfonso Herrero with a powerful effort from outside the box, but the Málaga goalkeeper makes the save.
90’+3′ — Real Madrid win a corner after Mbappé’s effort is turned away.
90’+3′ — Málaga also earn a corner, conceded by Dean Huijsen.
90’+2′ — David Larrubia sees his effort from the centre of the box blocked.
90’+2′ — Three minutes of added time are announced.
90’+1′ — GOAL! REAL MADRID 4-0 MÁLAGA! Arda Güler finishes a rapid Real Madrid counterattack, firing a left-footed shot from close range into the bottom-left corner after excellent work from Vinícius Júnior.
88′ — Chupe fires over from outside the box for Málaga.
88′ — Málaga win a corner, conceded by Antonio Rüdiger.
87′ — Substitution, Málaga: Ramón Enríquez replaces Izan Merino.
87′ — Substitution, Real Madrid: Arda Güler replaces Jude Bellingham.
86′ — VAR Decision: No penalty for Málaga. The referee’s decision is overturned after a VAR review.
85′ — Haitam Abaida’s effort from outside the box is blocked.
83′ — Chupe wins a free kick in the attacking half after a foul by Eduardo Camavinga.
83′ — Málaga win a corner.
83′ — David Larrubia’s shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
82′ — Bernardo Silva fouls David Larrubia, giving Málaga a free kick on the right wing.
80′ — Málaga win a corner after Jude Bellingham clears the danger.
80′ — Chupe’s shot from outside the box is blocked.
77′ — Substitution, Real Madrid: Bernardo Silva replaces Federico Valverde.
76′ — Haitam Abaida’s attempt from outside the box is blocked.
74′ — Substitution, Málaga: Haitam Abaida replaces Einar Galilea.
72′ — David Larrubia forces Thibaut Courtois into a save from outside the box.
72′ — Málaga win a corner, conceded by Dean Huijsen.
71′ — Jude Bellingham wins a free kick in the defensive half after being fouled by Izan Merino.
70′ — Bellingham goes close from outside the box, but his effort drifts wide.
68′ — Vinícius Júnior wins a free kick on the left wing after a foul by Ángel Recio.
66′ — Chupe is shown a yellow card for a bad foul.
66′ — Jude Bellingham wins a free kick in the attacking half following a foul by Chupe.
65′ — Substitution, Real Madrid: Yan Diomande replaces Brahim Díaz.
64′ — Juan Cruz fires over from outside the box for Málaga.
62′ — Kylian Mbappé is caught offside.
61′ — Substitution, Málaga: Juan Cruz replaces Joaquín Muñoz.
60′ — Substitution, Málaga: José Salinas replaces Carlos Puga.
59′ — Mbappé’s close-range header is saved by Alfonso Herrero.
59′ — Bellingham misses from the centre of the box after Trent Alexander-Arnold delivers a cross.
58′ — Real Madrid win a corner.
57′ — Trent Alexander-Arnold forces a save from Alfonso Herrero, with Real Madrid winning another corner moments later.
55′ — OFF THE POST! Jude Bellingham strikes the left post with a left-footed effort after being set up by Vinícius Júnior.
51′ — David Larrubia is caught offside for Málaga.
51′ — Chupe wins a free kick in the attacking half after a foul by Dean Huijsen.
50′ — Mbappé’s effort from outside the box is blocked.
49′ — Brahim Díaz is caught offside.
48′ — Ángel Recio wins a free kick for Málaga after a foul by Mbappé.
46′ — Antonio Rüdiger wins a free kick for Real Madrid on the right wing after being fouled by Rafita.
45′ — SECOND HALF UNDERWAY: Real Madrid 3-0 Málaga.
45′ — Substitution, Málaga: Pablo Martínez replaces Rafa Rodríguez.
45’+4′ — HALF-TIME: Real Madrid 3-0 Málaga. The first half comes to an end with Real Madrid holding a commanding three-goal lead.
45’+2′ — Rafa Rodríguez tries his luck from outside the box for Málaga, but his right-footed effort drifts wide to the left after being set up by David Larrubia.
45′ — Three minutes of added time are announced.
45′ — Another chance for Málaga. Chupe gets on the end of David Larrubia’s pass in the centre of the box, but sends his right-footed effort narrowly wide of the right post.
43′ — Real Madrid win a corner after Rafita concedes.
43′ — Brahim Díaz fires a right-footed shot from the right side of the penalty area, but the effort is blocked.
30′ — GOAL! Real Madrid 3-0 Málaga
Kylian Mbappé makes it three!
The French forward finishes with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box, sending the ball into the bottom-left corner.
Trent Alexander-Arnold provides the cross for Mbappé, who makes no mistake to extend Real Madrid’s advantage.
28′ — Madrid Continue to Attack
Real Madrid remain firmly in control following Mbappé’s goal.
Málaga are struggling to contain Madrid’s attacking movement, with Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé continuing to threaten in the final third.
26′ — GOAL! Real Madrid 2-0 Málaga
Málaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero puts the ball into his own net.
The unfortunate own goal doubles Real Madrid’s advantage after the hosts had already created a series of dangerous opportunities.
24′ — Madrid Maintain Pressure
Real Madrid continue pushing forward as they look for another opening.
Jude Bellingham remains heavily involved after scoring the opener, while Mbappé continues to occupy dangerous positions around the Málaga penalty area.
22′ — Málaga Under Pressure
Málaga are finding it increasingly difficult to play their way out as Real Madrid press high and recover possession quickly.
The visitors now face a major challenge after falling two goals behind.
20′ — Madrid Have the Lead
Real Madrid are playing with greater confidence after Bellingham’s 19th-minute breakthrough.
The hosts continue to dominate the attacking territory, with Málaga attempting to reorganise defensively.
19′ — GOAL! Real Madrid 1-0 Málaga
Jude Bellingham puts Real Madrid ahead!
The England midfielder finds the net with a right-footed shot from a difficult angle on the right side, sending the ball into the centre of the goal.
Madrid’s pressure finally produces the breakthrough, and the hosts have the advantage before the half-hour mark.
16′ — Málaga Go Close
Joaquín Muñoz comes close to an equaliser for Málaga.
The forward receives the ball on the left side of the box and sends a right-footed effort narrowly wide of the right post. David Larrubia provides the assist.
14′ — Málaga Shoot From Distance
Rafa Rodríguez tries his luck from more than 35 yards.
His right-footed effort is high and wide to the right, but Málaga continue to look for openings against the Madrid defence.
12′ — Madrid Continue Pressure
Real Madrid remain on the front foot after a lively opening quarter. Vinícius Júnior and Brahim Díaz are helping Madrid create space around the Málaga defensive block.
The visitors are being forced to defend deeper as the hosts look for a second goal.
10′ — Rüdiger Header Blocked
Antonio Rüdiger comes close from a Real Madrid corner.
The defender meets Trent Alexander-Arnold’s cross with a header from the centre of the box, but the effort is blocked.
8′ — Madrid Push Forward
Real Madrid continue to dominate possession and territory as they search for the opening goal.
Kylian Mbappé remains a constant threat in the final third, while Bellingham is finding space between midfield and attack.
6′ — Málaga Stay Compact
Málaga remain organised defensively as Real Madrid circulate the ball around the attacking third.
The visitors are looking for opportunities to break quickly whenever Madrid commit numbers forward.
4′ — Mbappé’s Shot Blocked
Kylian Mbappé has an early effort blocked.
The Real Madrid forward gets a right-footed shot away from the centre of the penalty area, but Málaga defenders get in the way.
2′ — Early Madrid Pressure
Real Madrid settle quickly into the match and begin applying pressure around the Málaga penalty area.
The hosts are using their wide players to stretch the visitors’ defensive shape.
0′ — Kickoff
The match gets underway at the Bernabéu.
Real Madrid entered the fixture with six points from their opening two LALIGA matches, while Málaga had collected one point from their first two games.
The hosts immediately look to take control of possession.
0′ — Kickoff
The match gets underway at the Santiago Bernabéu, with Real Madrid and Málaga beginning their LALIGA contest.
Madrid enter the fixture with a perfect 2-0-0 record and six points, while Málaga are still searching for their first victory of the campaign after collecting one point from their opening two matches.
The hosts immediately take control of possession as Málaga settle into their defensive shape.
Real Madrid vs Málaga: Preview, Predictions, Lineups and How to Watch
José Mourinho’s unbeaten Real Madrid vs Málaga record faces its biggest test yet as newly-promoted opponents arrive at the Bernabéu still searching for a win.
Kickoff: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 5:00 PM local (11:00 AM ET) Venue: Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid Competition: LaLiga, Matchday 3 TV/Streaming: ESPN+ (US), Movistar LaLiga (Spain), Premier Sports (UK)
Real Madrid host Málaga at the Santiago Bernabéu looking to make it nine points from nine to open José Mourinho’s second spell in charge of the club. The Portuguese coach’s return has started impressively: a nervy 2-1 win away at Espanyol on opening weekend, settled by a 90th-minute winner from recent €25m signing Carlos Espí after Jude Bellingham had opened the scoring, followed by a far more commanding display in a 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in which Kylian Mbappé announced himself with a hat-trick and Vinícius Júnior also got on the scoresheet.
Newly-promoted Málaga have found the step up to LaLiga every bit as difficult as expected. Juan Funes’s side opened with a 2-0 defeat to Atlético Madrid before drawing 1-1 with fellow promoted club Deportivo La Coruña — a result that carried extra sentiment given both clubs were relegated from LaLiga together back in 2018 and have now returned to the top flight in the same season. Sunday’s trip to the Bernabéu represents a considerable step up in class from either of those opponents.
The head-to-head record leaves little room for optimism among the visitors: Real Madrid have won 25 of their last 30 meetings with Málaga across all competitions, and the Bernabéu has been a fortress under Mourinho’s early tenure, with the club suffering just a single LaLiga home defeat all of 2026 so far.
Team news favors continuity for the hosts. Real Madrid are expected to name an unchanged core lineup built around their front three of Bellingham, Mbappé and Vinícius, with Thibaut Courtois continuing in goal behind a back line of Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen and Cucurella. Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde are set to continue anchoring midfield.
Predicted Lineups Real Madrid (4-2-3-1): Courtois; Dumfries, Konaté, Huijsen, Cucurella; Valverde, Bernardo Silva; Bellingham; Diomandé, Vinícius, Mbappé Málaga: Herrero; Puga, Recio, Galilea, Garrido; Merino, Dotor, Lorenzo; Cruz, Muñoz; Chupete
Prediction: With Real Madrid averaging six goals scored across their opening two matches and Málaga still searching for their first win of the campaign, this looks a near-certain home win — most models point toward a comfortable scoreline, with a 3-1 or similar margin the most commonly backed outcome.
How to Watch: Streaming live on ESPN+ in the United States, Movistar LaLiga in Spain, and Premier Sports in the UK.
▪️▪️ Follow us on Facebook ▪️▪️
About the Author
