Real Madrid cruise past Racing Santander with first-half three-goal burst

Match overview

Real Madrid left Campos de Sport de El Sardinero with a controlled 3-0 La Liga victory over Racing Santander, with the contest effectively settled before half-time. The visitors struck in the 11th, 21st and 36th minutes, then saw out the second half without conceding.

Kylian Mbappé opened the scoring from the penalty spot on 11 minutes. Jude Bellingham doubled the lead ten minutes later with a right-footed finish, assisted by Arda Güler. Yan Diomande added the third, also with his right foot, in the 36th minute.

The final score reflected a clear edge for Madrid in the major attacking measures. They registered 22 shots to Racing’s 10, put seven efforts on target to one, and created five big chances. Racing did not create a big chance.

The decisive first half

Madrid’s early penalty gave them a platform, and the second goal followed quickly enough to establish a two-goal separation by the 21st minute. Bellingham’s finish came from one of Madrid’s 18 key passes, compared with Racing’s six, while Güler’s assist was Madrid’s only recorded assist.

Diomande’s 36th-minute goal completed a three-goal first-half return. Madrid had already turned their greater volume into the scoreboard advantage that would remain until full time.

Racing made an early substitution in the 29th minute, with Pedro Felipe replacing Álvaro Mantilla. The home side also received two yellow cards, shown to Jeanuël Belocian in the 34th minute and Iker Luque in first-half stoppage time.

Madrid’s statistical authority

Madrid held 54% possession and completed 471 of 529 passes, an 89% completion rate. Racing had 46% of the ball and completed 387 of 457 passes at 85%. The visitors also led 100-91 in attacks and 67-52 in dangerous attacks.

The shot profile further underlined Madrid’s threat. They had 16 shots from inside the box, six from outside it and one effort that hit the woodwork. Racing recorded eight shots from inside the area and two from outside. Madrid also won more duels, 39 to 31, and made 19 interceptions to Racing’s 12.

There was room for an even larger margin: Madrid missed three of their five big chances, while Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala made five saves. At the other end, Thibaut Courtois made one save to preserve the clean sheet.

Second-half management

The second half brought no further goals. Racing made four further changes, while Madrid used Brahim Díaz, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick from the bench. Güler made way for Brahim in the 67th minute, Bernardo Silva was replaced by Camavinga in the 77th, and Diomande was replaced by Endrick in the 85th.

A Racing penalty was cancelled after a VAR intervention in the 72nd minute. In added time, a Madrid goal was subject to a VAR review, but the score stayed 3-0.

Individual spotlight

Bellingham was named Player of the Match with an 8.68 rating, the highest in the game. His goal was Madrid’s second and helped turn the early advantage into a commanding first-half lead. Mbappé scored the opener and received an 8.55 rating, while Güler combined his assist with an 8.53 rating.

Diomande scored Madrid’s third and was rated 7.80. For Racing, substitute Pedro Felipe recorded the home side’s highest rating at 7.30, while Agirrezabala made five saves and was rated 7.04.

Madrid’s first-half efficiency and sustained statistical superiority delivered a straightforward away win, while Racing were left without a goal despite taking 10 shots and earning four corners.