In an exciting “clasico” showdown, younger England midfielder Jude Bellingham left an indelible mark on his first-ever match for Actual Madrid, securing a dramatic 2-1 victory over arch-rivals Barcelona within the Spanish league. Bellingham, already a beloved determine amongst Madrid followers, showcased his expertise with two essential targets, together with a sensational injury-time winner.
Reflecting on his unforgettable efficiency, Bellingham shared, “I had watched many clasicos from the couch with my household, and I informed them that in the present day it was my flip to stay it firsthand and do one thing nice. I’ve completed that, and I’m very completely happy.”
Bellingham’s distinctive scoring prowess since becoming a member of Actual Madrid this summer season has seen him internet 13 targets in simply as many video games, making him the Spanish league’s main scorer with 10 targets in 11 rounds. He has reworked right into a medical finisher since his transfer to the Spanish capital, surpassing his aim tally for former membership Borussia Dortmund in Germany, the place he scored 14 targets in all the earlier season.
Within the recreation in opposition to Barcelona, Bellingham showcased his hanging capacity by delivering an impressive equalizer from outdoors the penalty space within the 68th minute, cancelling out Ilkay Gundogan’s opening aim for Barcelona. Bellingham’s sense of positioning got here to the forefront within the ultimate moments as he pounced on a possibility within the coronary heart of the field, securing the successful aim when a deflected cross discovered its option to him.
Luka Modric, a Actual Madrid veteran who performed his five hundredth recreation for the membership, marveled at Bellingham’s unbelievable impression, stating, “I don’t know the best way to clarify what Jude is doing. He simply arrived and is enjoying like he has been right here a very long time… I don’t suppose even he can consider the targets he’s scoring.”
Bellingham’s dedication prevailed
Bellingham’s efficiency was significantly noteworthy as he had been successfully marked by Barcelona’s Gavi Paéz for a major a part of the match. Nonetheless, Bellingham’s dedication prevailed as he discovered the house outdoors the field to unleash a memorable strike that eluded Marc-Andre ter Stegen and nestled into the nook of the web.
Each gamers and coaches from each side agreed that Bellingham’s sensational equalizer shifted the sport’s momentum, turning the tide in Actual Madrid’s favor.
With this victory, Actual Madrid maintained their place on the prime of the league, sharing factors with second-place Girona. Barcelona sits in third place, trailing by 4 factors. The result of Atletico Madrid’s match in opposition to Alaves on Sunday might probably alter the standings.
The conflict between Bellingham, aged 20, and Barcelona’s 19-year-old Gavi promised an intriguing rivalry that’s more likely to endure for years to come back. Regardless of Gavi’s tenacity and profitable challenges in opposition to Bellingham through the recreation, it was Bellingham who emerged because the hero with a decisive brace in one of many world’s most-watched soccer matches.
In his evaluation of the sport, Gavi remarked, “It didn’t imply a factor since we didn’t win.”
Mick Jagger attended the match
Notably, Robert Lewandowski, Barcelona’s main scorer, started the match on the bench and was introduced on for the ultimate half-hour with restricted impression, regardless of receiving medical clearance previous to kick-off following a weeks-long harm absence.
In a singular twist, rock legend Mick Jagger attended the match at Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium, the place Barcelona’s gamers donned particular jerseys that includes the Rolling Stones’ iconic “sizzling lips” emblem in lieu of the membership’s standard shirt sponsor. Actual Madrid playfully acknowledged the alliance between the Stones and Barcelona by posting a picture of Bellingham with the message, “The Beatles had been at all times my favourite band,” on the X social media platform.
Bellingham’s spectacular performances have led his followers to serenade him with the Beatles hit “Hey Jude” as they have a good time the younger sensation’s contributions.
In different match outcomes, Sevilla staged a outstanding comeback to attract 2-2 in opposition to Cadiz, Las Palmas secured a 2-1 victory over last-place Almeria, and Getafe performed to a goalless draw in opposition to Mallorca.
