Real Madrid went into the half-time break at Racing Santander with a commanding lead on Sunday, in a La Liga matchday 11 fixture that RMC Sport covered live. Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Diomandé all found the net before the interval, according to RMC Sport, which described the visitors as giving a footballing lesson to the promoted side.
The match marked Mbappé's return to the spotlight after what RMC Sport called a turbulent week for the French forward off the pitch. He opened his account from the penalty spot, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way after the referee judged that Prati had slightly caught him as he entered the area.
Why it matters
For Racing Santander, the first half was a harsh introduction to the level of the league's leading sides. RMC Sport reported that the VerdiBlancos were overwhelmed throughout the opening period, and their afternoon worsened when captain Mantilla had to come off injured.
For Real Madrid, the display underlined the depth of their attacking options. Bellingham was involved at both ends, while Diomandé caused persistent problems down the left. RMC Sport noted that the visitors' combinations in tight spaces repeatedly hurt the Santander defence.
Bellingham opens the scoring after Güler's pass
The deadlock was broken when Güler slipped Bellingham in behind the Santander back line. According to RMC Sport, the England international lifted the ball over the advancing goalkeeper before rolling it into the net, a finish the outlet described as leaving the defence with no answer.
Bellingham remained active without the ball as well. RMC Sport reported that he dropped deep in the early minutes, switched play with a long diagonal to Alexander-Arnold, and later made a sliding tackle to win possession back. He also had a strong chance of his own shortly before the penalty was awarded.
Güler was central to much of Madrid's best work. He forced a save from Agirrezabala with a low drive that the goalkeeper could only push away with help from his defenders, and he volleyed just wide from an Alexander-Arnold cross into the penalty area. Later in the half he skewed a shot off target after Mbappé had looked to play him through.
Diomandé's strike and Mantilla's injury
Diomandé made it three with a spectacular effort. After a corner was cleared to the edge of the area, the Ivorian struck the ball first time and found the top corner, leaving Agirrezabala helpless, RMC Sport reported. It capped a busy half for Diomandé, who had repeatedly taken on Mantilla on the left and won several corners.
Santander's problems were compounded by the loss of their captain. Mantilla went down and, although he got back to his feet, he could not continue and was replaced by Pedro. RMC Sport reported that the defender felt the pain while planting his knee, and that the club will be hoping the problem is not serious. Earlier, Mantilla had escaped punishment after going down in the area following light contact with Cucurella, with the referee waving play on.
The Racing captain had been involved in several physical duels before his withdrawal. RMC Sport noted that he had been tense from the start and had barged into Huijsen from behind, conceding a throw-in. A Santander defender also picked up the first yellow card of the match for colliding with Güler.
Courtois stands firm as Santander threaten briefly
Santander's clearest moment came from a Madrid error. Bernardo Silva misjudged a clearance, and Luque seized on the loose ball and struck hard, but Courtois saved with his foot to turn it behind for a corner. RMC Sport also reported that an early pass intended for a Moroccan forward ran too long, allowing Courtois to collect comfortably.
Mbappé, beyond his penalty, worked hard without the ball and helped his side relieve pressure during a spell of Santander possession. He was also involved in a promising three-against-two break, though RMC Sport reported that a heavy touch after a pass from Güler prevented him from getting a shot away, to his visible frustration.
The fourth official signalled added time at the end of the first period, with RMC Sport observing that Madrid were firmly in control. The half-time whistle confirmed a dominant opening 45 minutes from the visitors.
What to watch after the break: whether Santander can regroup without their captain, and whether Madrid push on for a heavier margin.
