Real Madrid Win Big, but Diomande Left Out Again
Real Madrid extended their perfect start under José Mourinho with a 4-0 victory over Málaga, with Jude Bellingham scoring and assisting. Kylian Mbappé and Arda Güler also found the net, but record-breaking summer signing Yan Diomande did not appear. The win keeps Los Blancos perfect through three matches.
Mourinho's tactical shift has unlocked Bellingham's attacking output, with the midfielder now directly involved in half of the team's ten league goals across three matches. The Englishman previously cycled through multiple roles under earlier managers, often sacrificed to patch holes in an injury-hit squad, but now operates with full freedom behind the forward line. That same arrangement previously coincided with a treble-winning campaign.
Alexander-Arnold's first start of the season proved decisive, as his crossing created the third goal and he finished with three chances created. The right-back had been benched in favor of new arrival Denzel Dumfries during the opening fixtures, making his strong display a timely statement. Meanwhile, Diomande's continued absence raises questions about his integration despite his record transfer fee.
This story may resonate beyond Madrid's fanbase, as it highlights how elite clubs manage expensive signings versus established stars. Diomande's exclusion could fuel broader conversations about squad rotation, player expectations, and the pressure on record transfers to deliver immediately. Fans and analysts may watch how Mourinho balances egos and form, potentially influencing how other clubs approach similar high-profile acquisitions and their integration timelines.