Mbappé and Real Madrid Aim for Third Straight Win Against Málaga
For the first time since 2018, Málaga CF walk out at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The setting is familiar, the stakes very different. Waiting for them: Kylian Mbappé and a Real Madrid side already building early-season momentum in LaLiga 2026-27.
José Mourinho’s team have opened the campaign with intent. A 2-1 victory over Espanyol to start, followed by a ruthless 4-1 dismantling of Real Sociedad. Two games, six points, and an attack that already looks dangerous.
Defensively, though, the picture is not spotless. Madrid are still searching for their first clean sheet of the league season. Ibrahima Konaté has struggled to impose himself in either of the opening fixtures, a concern in a back line where Dean Huijsen, Denzel Dumfries and Álvaro Carreras have looked far more assured and proactive.
Midfield finding its rhythm
Against Real Sociedad, the Bernabéu finally saw the version of Bernardo Silva it had been waiting for. The Portuguese midfielder dictated tempo, found pockets of space, and stitched attacks together in what was his most convincing display since arriving in Spain. It felt like a turning point.
Federico Valverde continues to drive the team from midfield, a relentless presence alongside the gifted Arda Güler. Between Valverde’s engine and Güler’s craft, Madrid’s core looks increasingly balanced, with Bernardo adding an extra layer of control.
All of that serves one purpose: feeding the front line.
Mbappé ready and firing
There is no suspense over Kylian Mbappé’s involvement. The 27-year-old is fully fit, training normally with the first team and set to feature against Málaga.
His last league outing underlined exactly why Madrid moved for him. A hat-trick, delivered with trademark explosiveness and precision, tore Real Sociedad apart. He stretched the defence, attacked space, and turned half-chances into goals. Across the 90 minutes, he was a constant menace.
Just as importantly for Mourinho, the connection between Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé is beginning to click. The understanding between those three will shape Madrid’s season. If they keep growing together, this attack could dominate the league.
Málaga’s uphill task
Real Madrid now chase a third straight league win to start their LaLiga 2026-27 campaign. Málaga arrive without a victory to their name so far this season and must do it the hard way, away from home, in one of the most intimidating stadiums in Europe.
Los Blanquiazules face a Madrid squad stacked with quality, depth and confidence. On paper, the gap is obvious. On the pitch, they will need discipline, resilience and a near-perfect night to disrupt Mourinho’s early charge.
Madrid, with the crowd behind them and Mbappé in full flow, know this is the kind of fixture they simply have to control if they are serious about reclaiming domestic dominance.
