Bellingham scores, assists as Real Madrid thrash Malaga 4-0 in La Liga
Synopsis
Real Madrid were barely troubled as Bellingham, Mbappé, and Güler combined for a 4-0 demolition of newly promoted Malaga — keeping Mourinho's side flawless in the early La Liga standings. Elsewhere, Athletic Club finally clicked under Terzic, and Valencia's miserable start deepened with a self-inflicted 3-1 loss featuring two own goals.
Key Takeaways
Real Madrid beat Malaga 4-0 on 31 August to maintain a perfect record in La Liga 2026/27 .
Jude Bellingham scored in the 19th minute and assisted the second goal; Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler also scored.
Athletic Club claimed their first win under Edin Terzic , beating Celta Vigo 2-0 away.
Valencia lost 3-1 to Deportivo la Coruña , conceding two own goals through César Tarraga and Mouctar Diakhaby .
Yassir Zabiri scored a first-half hat-trick on debut for Racing Santander in a 3-2 win over Elche on Friday.
Barcelona vs Rayo Vallecano and Osasuna vs Getafe complete the round on Monday .
Jude Bellingham scored and set up another goal as Real Madrid swept aside newly promoted Malaga 4-0 on Sunday, 31 August to preserve their perfect start to the 2026/27 La Liga season. The result was never in doubt at the Santiago Bernabéu, with José Mourinho's side in control from the opening quarter-hour.
How Real Madrid Dismantled Malaga
Bellingham broke the deadlock in the 19th minute, converting a move that reflected Madrid's dominant early tempo. Seven minutes later, the England international was involved again — his pressure led to an attempted clearance that rebounded off Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero and into the net, gifting Madrid a 2-0 cushion.
Kylian Mbappé made it 3-0 on the half-hour mark, finishing a precise cross from Trent Alexander-Arnold with characteristic composure. The fourth arrived deep in stoppage time, when substitute Arda Güler rounded off the scoring to complete a comprehensive evening for the hosts.
Notably, the victory came with Madrid managing their squad carefully — the club had played three games in eight days heading into Sunday's fixture, prompting Mourinho to ease off the accelerator after the break.
Athletic Club End Wait for First Win Under Terzic
Athletic Club produced their most convincing performance of the early season, beating Celta Vigo 2-0 away from home to record their first victory under head coach Edin Terzic. Alex Berenguer and Robert Navarro both struck in the first half to seal three points for the Basque side, whose form had been a concern before Sunday's result.
Valencia Struggle Continues; Deportivo Impress
Valencia suffered a 3-1 defeat away to Deportivo la Coruña in a result that deepened their difficult start to the campaign. The visitors were their own worst enemies, conceding two own goals through César Tarraga and Mouctar Diakhaby. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang added an excellent individual effort for the home side.
Umar Sadiq pulled one back for Valencia in the 26th minute following a defensive lapse by Deportivo, but the visitors were otherwise outclassed. Deportivo finished the match with ten men after Adril Altimira was shown a red card in stoppage time.
Saturday and Friday Round-Up
Atlético Madrid claimed a 3-1 win at Sevilla despite the absence of Julián Álvarez, while Levante produced the weekend's most eye-catching result — a 5-2 home victory over Real Betis. Real Sociedad earned a 2-1 home win over Espanyol.
On Friday, new signing Yassir Zabiri announced himself to La Liga with a first-half hat-trick as Racing Santander edged Elche 3-2 at home. Villarreal, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Deportivo Alavés.
What's Next
Barcelona host Rayo Vallecano on Monday, with Osasuna entertaining Getafe in the other fixture of the round. Real Madrid's early-season form will make them the benchmark against which all other title contenders are measured as the campaign develops.
Point of View
Newly promoted, were always going to be outgunned. The more telling detail is how Mourinho managed the squad: three games in eight days, and he still had Güler fresh enough to score in stoppage time. The depth question that shadowed Madrid last season looks answered, at least for now. Athletic Club's first win under Terzic is the subplot to watch — German-style pressing football in Bilbao could be a disruptive force if Sunday's display is repeatable. Valencia, by contrast, are in genuine trouble: two own goals in a single match is not misfortune, it is a structural problem that a points deficit will only amplify.
NationPress
31 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score in Real Madrid vs Malaga on 31 August 2026?
Real Madrid beat newly promoted Malaga 4-0 in a La Liga 2026/27 fixture on 31 August. Jude Bellingham, an own goal, Kylian Mbappé, and Arda Güler were the scorers.
Who scored for Real Madrid against Malaga?
Jude Bellingham opened the scoring in the 19th minute. The second goal came via a rebound off Malaga goalkeeper Alfonso Herrero. Kylian Mbappé scored the third from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross, and Arda Güler added the fourth in stoppage time.
When did Athletic Club record their first win under Edin Terzic?
Athletic Club beat Celta Vigo 2-0 away on 31 August 2026, claiming their first victory under head coach Edin Terzic. Alex Berenguer and Robert Navarro scored in the first half.
Why did Valencia lose 3-1 to Deportivo la Coruña?
Valencia conceded two own goals through César Tarraga and Mouctar Diakhaby and were largely outclassed. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also scored for Deportivo. Umar Sadiq's 26th-minute goal was Valencia's only response.
Who is Yassir Zabiri and what did he do on his La Liga debut?
Yassir Zabiri is a new signing for Racing Santander who scored a first-half hat-trick on Friday as his side beat Elche 3-2 at home in the 2026/27 La Liga season.
