Thibaut Courtois says Real Madrid must address their second-half performance despite a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Malaga.
Real Madrid produced a decisive first-half display, moving into the interval with a three-goal advantage. Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler were on target for the visitors, while Malaga also conceded an own goal as the scoreline reached 4-0.
However, the result did not completely satisfy Courtois. The Real Madrid goalkeeper highlighted a problem in the team’s performance after the break, with the second half failing to match the quality and effectiveness shown before half-time.
The victory keeps Real Madrid at the top of the La Liga table. They have collected nine points from their opening three matches, maintaining a perfect record at this stage of the competition.
The early damage against Malaga was done before the interval. Real Madrid established a three-goal lead and were in a commanding position by half-time, with Bellingham, Mbappe and Guler all contributing to the scoreline.
Malaga’s own goal added to the visitors’ advantage and completed the 4-0 result. Although Real Madrid secured all three points without conceding, Courtois’ assessment focused on the contrast between the two halves rather than the final score alone.
His comments underline the standards expected at Real Madrid, even after a convincing win. The side’s league position remains perfect after three rounds, but Courtois believes the second-half display exposed an issue that the team must resolve.
Real Madrid’s nine points leave them leading La Liga following the opening three matches. Their latest victory was built on a strong attacking performance before the break, but the goalkeeper’s concerns suggest the team’s progress will be judged on its ability to maintain that level throughout a full match.
The result nevertheless gives Real Madrid another win at the start of their La Liga campaign. Bellingham, Mbappe and Guler provided the goals, Malaga’s own goal completed the scoring, and the visitors finished with a four-goal margin.
For Courtois, though, the second half remains the main talking point. While Real Madrid were already in control by the interval, he expressed dissatisfaction with how the team performed after the restart and pointed to the need for improvement in that part of their game.
