Racing Santander 0-3 Real Madrid: Mbappe, Bellingham and Diomande keep Mourinho's side in title race

Real Madrid made sure the gap at the top of La Liga did not grow. Jose Mourinho's side beat Racing Santander 3-0 at El Sardinero on Sunday, with all three goals arriving in the first 36 minutes. The win takes Madrid to 27 points, one behind Atletico Madrid and three behind leaders Barcelona.

Three goals before the break

Madrid took the lead after 11 minutes from the penalty spot. Kylian Mbappe was brought down in the box and got up to convert the kick himself. According to Khel Now, it was his 12th league goal of the season and 15th in all competitions.

Ten minutes later, Arda Guler slipped a pass through the Racing defence and Jude Bellingham ran clear to beat goalkeeper Agirrezabala.

The third goal was the pick of the afternoon. After a corner was only half-cleared, Yan Diomande met the loose ball on the edge of the area and volleyed it into the top corner in the 36th minute. Diomande started with Vinicius Junior suspended and took his chance.

A quieter second half

Racing had their moments. Thibaut Courtois, back in goal for Madrid, kept out an effort from Iker Luque. The hosts also thought they had a penalty in the 71st minute for handball by Aurelien Tchouameni, but VAR overturned the decision after deciding the contact was unintentional.

Bellingham had the ball in the net again in stoppage time, but that goal was ruled out for offside. The real damage had been done well before half-time.

The club said the result was Madrid's sixth win in a row in all competitions.

La Liga title race

Barcelona had already restored their cushion on Saturday with a 6-1 win over Alaves, moving to 30 points. Atletico Madrid are second on 28 after winning 2-0 at Levante. Madrid's win keeps them third on 27 points, and Real Betis are fourth on 23 after beating Malaga.

Elsewhere on Sunday, Getafe came from behind to beat Sevilla 3-1. Racing remain in the bottom half, just one point clear of the relegation zone on 11 points. Matchday 11 ends on Monday with Deportivo La Coruna v Osasuna.

Champions League next

Madrid's attention now turns to Europe. They travel to AEK Athens on Wednesday in the Champions League. The match kicks off at 6.45pm in Central Europe, which is 1.45am on Thursday 5 November in Malaysia. UEFA notes that Bellingham will become the youngest player to reach 60 Champions League appearances if he plays.

Barcelona host Aston Villa a day earlier, at 4am on Wednesday 4 November in Malaysia, and Atletico Madrid face Bayern Munich at the same time.

Key takeaways

• Real Madrid won 3-0 at Racing Santander with goals from Mbappe (pen, 11'), Bellingham (21') and Diomande (36').
• A Racing penalty for handball was overturned by VAR in the second half.
• Madrid have 27 points, three behind Barcelona and one behind Atletico.
• It was Madrid's sixth straight win in all competitions.
• Madrid play AEK Athens at 1.45am Thursday, Malaysia time.

FAQ

Who scored for Real Madrid against Racing Santander? Kylian Mbappe scored a penalty, then Jude Bellingham and Yan Diomande added goals, all in the first half.

How far are Real Madrid behind Barcelona? Three points. Barcelona have 30, Atletico Madrid 28 and Real Madrid 27.

Why did Diomande start? Vinicius Junior was suspended, and Diomande took his place in the attack.

Sources: Real Madrid, ESPN, Free Malaysia Today, Khel Now, UEFA