Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham put in a stellar performance as Los Blancos claimed a 4-1 win over Espanyol in La Liga tonight.
The 21-year-old returned from injury in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, and manager Carlo Ancelotti gave him a start against the Catalan side.
Bellingham popped up across the pitch, pulling the strings and linking the midfield with a fearsome attack.
Espanyol took the lead in the second half and looked confident against the champions, but Madrid rallied. The 36-time La Liga winners bounced back just four minutes later, showing the resilience of champions.
Bellingham played a crucial role in the equaliser, forcing a cross that squirmed under the arms of Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia for Dani Carvajal to smash home from point-blank range.
He played three key passes and won all of his six duels today. He also won two fouls and made four interceptions and two tackles in a lively display.
Bellingham went off to a standing ovation at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the crowd acknowledging his stellar performance.
However, they will also be worried about an injury he had suffered moments before coming off. The England international midfielder had his hand pulled from an awkward angle. It seemed to affect his shoulder when he fell.
The former Borussia Dortmund star was holding that shoulder when he came off, although he did say he was fine when passing the press area.
Ancelotti and Madrid will hold their breath, hoping the Ballon d’Or nominee doesn’t suffer any setbacks as the games are coming thick and fast.
Vinicius Junior came on from the bench to score and create one for Rodrygo before substitute Endrick won a penalty that Kylian Mbappe converted, as Madrid made it 37 unbeaten matches in La Liga. They have not lost in 50 games across all competitions.
