On August 13th, Jude Bellingham had a dream-like debut for Real Madrid, netting his second goal for the team in a 2-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the opening match of the Spanish league on Saturday. Wearing the iconic number 5 jersey associated with the legendary Zinedine Zidane, Bellingham started the game, while Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, the seasoned veterans he’s rumored to succeed, watched from the substitutes’ bench at the San Mames stadium.
Bellingham’s Remarkable Start:
While not as glamorous as some of Zidane’s exquisite finishes, Bellingham’s goal was nonetheless a crucial moment. A bit of luck played a role as David Alaba’s well-placed corner from the left wing left Bellingham unmarked inside the penalty area, where he managed to guide the ball onto the field with a touch that ended up bouncing high and slipping past Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon.
Bellingham stated, “If you shoot, you have a chance to score. I didn’t connect perfectly with the ball, but luckily, it found its way into the net and out again.”
Acknowledgment and Celebration:
The 20-year-old midfielder received a warm welcome from a section of Madrid supporters in red and white at the end of the pitch as he acknowledged the applause with a raised hand. He shared his excitement in a message posted on Real Madrid’s Twitter account after the match, saying in Spanish, “First match, first win, first goal. Hail Madrid!”
Crucial Role for Madrid:
Bellingham’s goal doubled Madrid’s lead in the 36th minute following an earlier goal by Rodrygo. The young talent from Borussia Dortmund, acquired by Real Madrid for a whopping €130 million transfer fee this summer, displayed flashes of finesse reminiscent of Zidane. His graceful dribble to evade three defenders and penetrate Bilbao’s territory in the second half demonstrated his potential impact.
Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, praised Bellingham, stating, “Bellingham is truly unique. He has the motivation to play here. He’s fantastic, with a great personality, and he works hard. He is a crucial signing for us.”
Future Prospects:
The Brazilian duo of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior may need all the support that Bellingham and Madrid’s midfield can provide. As a club with 14 Champions League titles, Madrid has yet to secure a world-class striker to replace Karim Benzema, especially since his move to Saudi Arabia. The club’s interest in Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain remains, but the addition of Bellingham brings exciting new dimensions to the team.
In conclusion, as Neymar’s move to Al-Hilal shakes the football world, Jude Bellingham’s sensational debut for Real Madrid ignites the anticipation for an extraordinary season. With his opening goal and promising performance, the young midfielder is primed to make his mark as a vital asset for the team’s continued success.
