Real Madrid went into the half-time break in control of their La Liga fixture at Racing Santander on Sunday, with RMC Sport reporting that Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Diomandé had all found the net in a one-sided first period. The match is the 11th round of the 2026-2027 league season, and the French outlet described the visitors as giving Santander a lesson in football.
According to RMC Sport, the home side also lost their captain, Mantilla, to injury during the opening half. The outlet reported that he got back to his feet but was unable to carry on and was replaced by Pedro. RMC Sport added that the problem appeared when he put weight back on his knee, and that while nothing serious is hoped for, the signs did not look encouraging.
Why it matters
The result, if it holds, would keep Madrid's strong start to the campaign on track, and the performance gives the club's attacking options further credibility. RMC Sport noted that Mbappé was under close scrutiny after what it described as a turbulent week away from the pitch, and his goal — a confidently taken penalty — offered the clearest possible response.
The first half also underlined how quickly Madrid can turn superiority into goals. RMC Sport reported that the promoted side were overwhelmed for long stretches and struggled to cope with Madrid's combinations in tight spaces, which repeatedly pulled the defence apart.
Bellingham opens the scoring after a rapid break
RMC Sport reported that the deadlock was broken when Güler released Bellingham behind the Santander back line. The England international took the ball around the goalkeeper with a small lob before rolling it into the net. The outlet described the move as simply too quick for the newly promoted side to handle.
Bellingham was involved at both ends. RMC Sport noted that he dropped deep in the early minutes, switched play with a long diagonal pass to find Alexander-Arnold, and later made a sliding tackle to win the ball back. He also had a strong chance shortly before the penalty that doubled the lead.
Mbappé's goal came from the spot. According to RMC Sport, the referee did not hesitate after the French forward went into the area and was lightly caught by Prati, moments after a big opportunity for Bellingham. Mbappé stepped up and converted cleanly, and the outlet observed that he was smiling afterwards.
Diomandé adds a spectacular third
The third goal arrived from a corner. RMC Sport reported that the clearance fell centrally and Diomandé struck it first time, crashing a shot into the top corner of Agirrezabala's net with the goalkeeper helpless.
Diomandé had been a threat on the left throughout. RMC Sport noted that he repeatedly tried to take on Mantilla, won corners, and delivered a strong cross to the far post that the Santander defence put behind for another corner. On one occasion he was caught by a challenge from Mantilla, though the referee awarded only a throw-in.
Santander's best moments were rare. RMC Sport reported that Bernardo Silva badly mishit a clearance, allowing Luque to shoot hard, but Courtois pushed the ball away with his foot for a corner. Earlier, a long pass intended for a Moroccan forward ran too far and Courtois collected it comfortably.
There were other chances for Madrid before the break. RMC Sport reported that Alexander-Arnold crossed for Güler, whose first-time volley went just wide, and that Güler later forced Agirrezabala into a difficult low save after cutting onto his left foot. Mbappé also wanted a pass in a three-against-two situation, but a heavy touch from the Frenchman after Güler's ball prevented a shot.
Santander's captain had been involved in several physical duels before his withdrawal. RMC Sport noted that Mantilla looked tense from the start, put in a number of small challenges, and barged into Huijsen from behind, which gave Madrid a throw-in. The Racing defender also received the game's first yellow card for colliding with Güler.
The fourth official signalled added time at the end of the first period, with RMC Sport observing that Madrid were firmly in charge. The outlet's live coverage confirmed the half-time whistle with the visitors well ahead.
What to watch after the break is whether Santander can steady themselves without their captain and whether Madrid push for a fourth goal or manage the game with the result already secure.
