Bellingham scores 50th goal as Alexander-Arnold gets rare start

Jude Bellingham scored his 50th goal for Real Madrid as his side backed up last week’s El Clásico win with a statement victory at Racing Santander. The visitors were awarded an 11th-minute penalty when Matteo Prati dragged down Kylian Mbappe and the French forward found the net from the spot. Bellingham doubled Real’s lead in the 21st minute, driving from the halfway line, dinking the ball over the onrushing keeper and into an empty net. Record signing Yan Diomande hit a third before half-time, volleying home an effort after a half-cleared corner. Mbappe also hit the post in the 59th minute with a curling effort from the edge of the box.

Santander then had a late penalty overturned by the video assistant referee after it ruled that Aurelien Tchouameni’s handball was accidental and came after the ball deflected off the midfielder’s boot. Bellingham’s goal was his 50th in all competitions for the Spanish giants since he joined the club as a 19-year-old for £88. 5m from Borussia Dortmund in 2023. The 23-year-old former Birmingham City player has made 154 appearances for Real and has also recorded 37 assists. He put the ball in the net for a second time on Sunday, but the referee ruled his calm, late finish into the bottom corner offside. The win means Real have won their past five matches in all competitions and are just three points off La Liga leaders…