Kylian Mbappe scores as Real Madrid win amid Chinese television blackout

Real Madrid defeated Racing Santander 3-0 on Sunday in La Liga. France 24 reported that Kylian Mbappe and Yan Diomande both scored in the victory, while the Guardian added that Jude Bellingham also scored and that Mbappe opened the scoring with a penalty kick. [1][3]

The victory marked the sixth straight win in all competitions for Real Madrid, according to the Guardian. France 24 reported that the Spanish club has now won nine of its last 10 matches after a difficult start to the season. [1][3]

The match occurred alongside a broadcast blackout in China. The Guardian and BBC News reported that Chinese state television did not broadcast the fixture, with BBC News adding that China Media Group pulled La Liga matches after Mbappe joked about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. The Guardian noted that Mbappe lost out on the Ballon d’Or to Harry Kane of Bayern Munich on Monday and subsequently apologised for the video. [2][3][7]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, several Chinese sponsors previously cut ties with Mbappe after he referred to Mao Zedong as a dictator on a French talk show. Real Madrid later issued an official apology following demands from Chinese state broadcaster CCTV. [9][10]

It remains unclear when normal broadcasts will resume in China. BBC News reported that China Media Group acknowledged the apology from Mbappe but has not stated how long the television blackout will last. [7]