Three goals in 36 minutes
Real Madrid took control of Sunday's La Liga match at Racing Santander almost from the start, leading 3-0 at half-time on November 1. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomandé all scored inside the first 36 minutes as Madrid put the game out of reach before the break.
The match kicked off at 7:15 p.m. Gulf Standard Time (4:15 p.m. in Spain). This report reflects the score at half-time; the result will be updated at full-time.
How the goals came
11' — Mbappé (penalty), 0-1. Madrid's talisman converted from the spot to open the scoring early.
22' — Bellingham, 0-2. The English midfielder doubled the lead midway through the half.
36' — Diomandé, 0-3. Yan Diomandé added a third to all but settle the contest before the interval.
The first-half numbers matched the scoreline. Madrid had 58% of possession and nine shots, six on target, while Racing managed just one shot, saved by Thibaut Courtois. The hosts picked up two yellow cards and were forced into an early substitution after an injury.
What's at stake
Madrid came into the weekend third in La Liga with 27 points from 11 games, three behind leaders Barcelona and one behind Atlético Madrid. A win would lift them to 30 points, level with Barcelona at the top.
The result would extend strong form. Madrid have won their last four league games, including a 2-1 win over Barcelona last weekend, after a mid-September stretch that saw them lose to Real Betis and Atlético.
For Racing Santander, the picture is tougher. They sit 16th with 11 points, just one point above the relegation zone, and a heavy home defeat would leave them looking over their shoulder.
Next up: Real Madrid visit Valencia on Saturday, November 7, at 9 p.m. in Spain (midnight Gulf time), facing a side second from bottom of the table.