Real Madrid beats Racing 3-0 as Mbappé scores

Kylian Mbappé scored his 12th league goal of the season to help Real Madrid defeat Racing Santander 3-0 on Sunday. The win keeps Madrid in contention with Spanish leader Barcelona, though they remain one point behind Atletico Madrid for third place. The team held a moment of silence before kickoff to honor victims of a recent train crash in Spain.

Mbappé converted an 11th-minute penalty after being fouled himself to give the visitors an early lead. He was involved in midfielder Jude Bellingham's goal midway through the first half. Summer signing Yan Diomandé added a powerful strike before halftime to secure the final margin.

The match capped a busy week for the French striker. On Tuesday, Mbappé apologized for comments in which he referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator. That followed backlash and the loss of brand deals with Chinese companies. The incident occurred one day after he finished second behind Harry Kane in the men's Ballon d'Or award.

In Italy, Lazio moved to the top of Serie A by beating Cagliari 2-1. The victory came after defending champion Inter Milan lost to AC Milan on Saturday. Lazio now holds a three-point lead over the next team in the standings. The result was decided by a late goal from substitute striker Andrea Pinamonti.

Pinamonti entered the match in the second half and scored in the 83rd minute. He removed his sky-blue jersey in celebration after netting the winner. Earlier in the game, Cagliari striker M’Bal Nzola put the Sardinian side ahead in the 21st minute. Gustav Isaksen equalized for Lazio late in the first half.

Other results in Serie A saw fourth-place Como defeat rock-bottom Venezia 1-0. France midfielder Lucas Da Cunha scored a penalty late in the first half for the win. Venezia has lost nine of its last 10 games. Frosinone also won 2-0 against Torino to consolidate its sixth-place standing.

In Spain, struggling Getafe rallied to beat Sevilla 3-1. Forward Martín Satriano set up the equalizer for striker Enes Ünal and then scored himself. Orel Mangala netted a late third goal for Getafe. Later on Sunday, Juventus hosted Napoli, and Arsenal played at Liverpool in the Premier League.