Real Madrid continued their impressive resurgence with a convincing 3-0 victory over Racing Santander on Sunday, November 1, as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande delivered a first-half masterclass at El Sardinero.
José Mourinho’s men took control of the encounter early, scoring three times before half-time to secure their sixth consecutive victory across all competitions. The result also strengthened their position in the La Liga title race, keeping them within three points of leaders Barcelona.
Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Bellingham doubled the advantage with an excellent finish following a well-worked attacking move involving Arda Güler. Diomande then produced one of the afternoon’s outstanding moments with a powerful volley from outside the penalty area.
Although Racing attempted to respond after the break, Madrid’s defensive organisation ensured the hosts never seriously threatened their advantage.
Mbappé breaks the deadlock after early Madrid pressure
Real Madrid began the match with attacking intent and almost took the lead in the seventh minute when Arda Güler connected with a pass from Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Turkish midfielder produced a first-time effort that narrowly missed the target after skimming the post.
Madrid continued applying pressure, and Bellingham came even closer moments later. The England international rose to meet Güler’s inviting cross, but Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala reacted brilliantly to prevent his close-range header from finding the net.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 11th minute after Matteo Prati brought down Mbappé inside the penalty area. Referee José Luis Munuera Montero immediately pointed to the spot, giving the visitors an opportunity to take the lead.
Mbappé stepped forward and confidently converted the penalty, sending his right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner beyond Agirrezabala to make it 1-0.
Racing almost produced an immediate response when Iker Luque collected the ball near the edge of the Madrid penalty area and fired towards goal. However, Thibaut Courtois remained alert, making an important save to preserve his side’s advantage.
Bellingham celebrates 50th Madrid goal
Madrid continued to dictate the tempo, and their dominance was rewarded with a second goal in the 21st minute.
The move developed through an excellent combination between Mbappé, Güler and Bellingham. Güler spotted the England international’s movement behind the Racing defence and delivered a perfectly weighted through ball into his path.
Bellingham controlled the pass, advanced towards goal and calmly rounded the onrushing Agirrezabala before guiding the ball into the unguarded net to extend Madrid’s lead to 2-0.
The goal carried additional significance for the midfielder, marking his 50th strike for Real Madrid and his first since September.
Güler remained influential as Madrid continued searching for another goal, while Agirrezabala was again called into action to prevent the visitors from extending their advantage.
Racing also suffered an injury setback in the 29th minute when Álvaro Mantilla was forced off, with Pedro Felipe introduced as his replacement.
Diomande produces stunning finish to make it three
Real Madrid’s attacking superiority became even more evident in the 36th minute when Diomande produced a spectacular finish to put the result firmly beyond Racing’s reach.
The opportunity developed from a corner-kick situation, with the ball falling to the Ivorian outside the penalty area.
Without hesitation, Diomande struck a powerful first-time right-footed volley that flew into the top corner, leaving Agirrezabala with little chance of making a save.
It was a remarkable finish that capped an impressive first-half performance from the visitors and extended their lead to 3-0.
Madrid almost added a fourth before the interval when Bellingham rose to meet another delivery from Güler, but his header failed to find the target.
Jeanuël Belocian was also shown a yellow card in the first half following a foul on Güler as Racing struggled to contain Madrid’s attacking movement.
Mbappé hits the post as Racing’s penalty appeal is overturned
Racing returned for the second half with greater attacking urgency, hoping to find a way back into the contest after conceding three goals before the break.
The hosts enjoyed more possession in attacking areas and attempted to put Madrid under pressure, but their efforts lacked the precision needed to trouble Courtois consistently.
Madrid, meanwhile, remained dangerous whenever they moved forward. Around the hour mark, Mbappé came close to scoring his second goal after receiving the ball inside the penalty area and producing a right-footed effort that struck the post before bouncing away.
The Frenchman had another opportunity shortly afterwards, but his subsequent attempt failed to find the target.
Bellingham also tested Agirrezabala with an effort from the side of the goal following another pass from Güler, but the Racing goalkeeper managed to keep the ball out.
The biggest talking point of the second half arrived in the 71st minute when Racing were initially awarded a penalty after the ball struck Aurélien Tchouaméni’s arm during a challenge with Prati.
However, following a VAR review, Munuera Montero overturned his original decision, ruling that the contact was accidental and did not warrant a penalty.
The decision denied Racing an opportunity to reduce the deficit and added another significant moment to an already eventful afternoon.
Bellingham’s late goal ruled out as Madrid secure victory
Madrid continued to manage the game professionally during the closing stages, making substitutions while limiting Racing’s opportunities to create clear chances.
Bellingham appeared to have completed his impressive afternoon with another goal deep into stoppage time after finding the net from a promising attacking move.
However, the celebrations were short-lived as the goal was ruled out for offside, meaning the score remained 3-0.
The final whistle confirmed another important victory for Mourinho’s side, who had effectively settled the contest with their three first-half goals.
Real Madrid maintain pressure on Barcelona
The victory marked Real Madrid’s sixth consecutive win across all competitions and their fourth successive triumph in La Liga.
The Spanish giants moved to 27 points, remaining three points behind league leaders Barcelona and one point behind second-placed Atlético Madrid.
Mbappé continued his impressive goalscoring form, Bellingham celebrated his 50th goal for the club, while Diomande strengthened his growing reputation with a spectacular contribution.
Madrid will now turn their attention to Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against AEK Athens as they look to extend their winning run and maintain pressure on their domestic rivals.
For Racing Santander, the defeat ended their hopes of extending their unbeaten home run and left them with plenty to consider after a difficult afternoon against one of Spain’s strongest sides.
