Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid: Mourinho’s men dismantle the hosts with first-half masterclass

Real Madrid arrived at El Sardinero still riding the momentum of last weekend’s El Clásico victory and left with another emphatic three points, ending Racing Santander’s unbeaten home record in ruthless fashion. José Mourinho’s side were 3-0 up by the 36th minute and never looked back, as Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande all struck before the interval.

The tone was set early. Madrid controlled possession and territory from the outset, with Arda Güler and Bellingham particularly influential. The breakthrough arrived in the 11th minute when Mbappé was judged to have been fouled inside the area by Matteo Prati. The decision was contentious many felt there was little more than light contact and VAR did not intervene. The Ballon d’Or runner-up calmly converted the penalty, sending Julen Agirrezabala the wrong way.

Ten minutes later, Madrid doubled their lead with a move of real quality. Güler threaded a perfectly weighted through-ball into the path of Bellingham, who raced clear, rounded the goalkeeper and rolled the ball into an empty net. It was Bellingham’s 50th goal for the club, a milestone that took him past Zinedine Zidane’s tally in significantly fewer appearances.

The third was the pick of the bunch. From a corner, a Racing clearance dropped to Yan Diomande on the edge of the box. The Ivorian met it first time on the half-volley, arrowing an unstoppable effort into the top corner. It was the goal of the afternoon and a fitting way to seal the contest before half-time.

Racing improved after the break and created a couple of half-chances through top scorer Yassir Zabiri, but Thibaut Courtois returning after missing the Clásico through illness and a solid defensive unit of Ibrahima Konaté and Dean Huijsen kept them at bay. Madrid managed the second half professionally, with substitutions (including Brahim Díaz, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick) helping them control the tempo without taking unnecessary risks.

For Mourinho, it was a thoroughly satisfying afternoon. The team that beat Barcelona last week largely stayed intact, and the performance reinforced the sense that Madrid are finding a more cohesive, controlled style. With Barcelona and Atlético set to face each other, the three points move Los Blancos firmly into the title conversation.

Racing, still adjusting to life back in the top flight, were outclassed but not disgraced. Their home fortress has been breached, yet the second-half response suggested there is spirit in the squad. On this occasion, however, they simply ran into a Real Madrid side operating at a high level.

Final score: Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid
Goals: Mbappé 11′ (pen), Bellingham 21′, Diomande 36′
Attendance: 22,892 | Referee: José Luis Munuera Montero