Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid (Mbappé, Bellingham & Diomande). Full steam ahead for Real Madrid! This is the immediate reaction to the big win. Still to come: Player ratings, interview quotes and the usual podcast.
Real Madrid were on cloud nine since their El Clásico victory, and there would be only two changes from that side to try and build some momentum. Man of the moment Yan Diomande was not going anywhere, as Vinícius Júnior continued to serve his suspension. Trent Alexander-Arnold came in at right-back,
and Thibaut Courtois was back in goal, captaining the team.
A very questionable penalty call set the tone for the game, as Kylian Mbappé went down under little contact before scoring from the slot. Thibaut Courtois pulled off a world class save to preserve the lead, only for Real Madrid to score a second through Jude Bellingham. Los Blancos were playing very well, and made it three when Yan Diomande cashed in his world class goal per game voucher, scoring another accurate, powerful strike from distance. 3-0 at half-time!
The intensity lessened slightly in the second-half, but Kylian Mbappé did hit the post after a great run. Aurélien Tchouaméni appeared to gift Racing Santander a lifeline after conceding a penalty for handball, but the referee was merciful and adjudicated the ball to have made contact with his foot before brushing the hand unintentionally. Jude Bellingham then scored, before the goal was brought back for offside. Full-time, 3-0 to Real Madrid. What were your highlights of the match?
