Real Madrid extend winning run to six with 3-0 win at Racing Santander
Seven days after beating Barcelona in the Clasico, Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid kept their momentum with a sixth straight win, 3-0 at newly promoted Racing Santander, staying within three points of their rivals at the top of La Liga.
Bellingham thought he had a second in stoppage time, but strayed offside before finding the net, and Endrick then bent a long-range effort narrowly wide. Madrid cruised through the closing stages, with the hosts unable to threaten a comeback.
Racing’s best chance of a way back arrived when Aurelien Tchouameni handled in the box, but the penalty was cancelled after a VAR review. Madrid had regained control by then, with Mbappe hitting the post and goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala denying Bellingham.
The hosts began the second half with more energy, pushing Madrid back and prompting Mourinho to shout at his players. Racing, back in La Liga for the first time in 14 seasons and sitting 16th, suffered their first home defeat of the campaign.
Yan Diomande put the game beyond doubt in the 36th minute, lashing a half-volley home from the edge of the area. Arda Guler had spurned a good chance for the third after being set up by Mbappe, and the finish settled matters.
Bellingham doubled the lead in the 21st minute after a fine through ball from Guler sent him clear. He knocked it past the goalkeeper and rolled home, reaching 50 goals for Madrid since his 2023 arrival, a tally that underlines his scoring from midfield.
Mbappe had opened the scoring in the 11th minute, converting a penalty after going down under little pressure from Matteo Prati. The award was upheld by VAR and drew controversy, but he smashed it past the goalkeeper at El Sardinero.
The goal kept alive a remarkable habit, as Mbappe has now scored against all 24 La Liga clubs he has faced, with Racing the latest victim. It took his tally to 68 La Liga goals for Madrid in 76 appearances.
It capped a difficult week for the forward. He narrowly lost the Ballon d’Or to Bayern Munich’s Harry Kane and then apologised after a social media storm over a video in which he joked about Mao Zedong. Chinese state television did not broadcast the match.
Third-placed Madrid trail leaders Barcelona by three points after their 6-1 win over Alaves, and sit a point behind city rivals Atletico, who beat Levante 2-0. Mourinho’s side have now won six straight across all competitions, fuelling talk of a serious title push.