Kylian Mbappe continued his impressive scoring form, converting a penalty as Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory away to Racing Santander on Sunday.
Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande were also on target as third-placed Madrid stayed within three points of La Liga leaders Barcelona, who thrashed Alaves 6-1 on Saturday.
Jose Mourinho’s side have now won six consecutive matches across all competitions and remain one point behind city rivals Atletico Madrid, who defeated Levante 2-0.
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“In the first half we were very strong; we came out to play well,” Mourinho told reporters.
“The team is growing and playing well; I think we should have scored even more goals with the chances we had.”
Mbappe put Real Madrid ahead in the 11th minute after winning a penalty following contact from Matteo Prati. The French forward made no mistake from the spot, sending his effort past the goalkeeper at the Sardinero Stadium.
It was the 27-year-old’s 12th league goal of the season, leaving him behind Barcelona’s Raphinha, who leads the scoring charts with 15.
Madrid controlled proceedings and doubled their advantage through Bellingham, who was sent through on goal by an excellent pass from Arda Guler.
The England international rounded the goalkeeper before calmly rolling the ball into the net for his 50th goal since joining the Spanish giants in 2023.
Guler missed a good opportunity to make it three after being set up by Mbappe, but Real Madrid eventually extended their lead when record signing Diomande unleashed a powerful effort from the edge of the penalty area.
The defeat handed 16th-placed Racing their first home defeat of the campaign.
Racing manager Jose Alberto expressed his frustration with the penalty awarded to Madrid.
“Real Madrid’s penalty award annoys me,” he told DAZN.
“Evidently we came across a great Madrid, who put us under a lot of pressure in the first half hour and were much better than us.”
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