‘Out of the ordinary’, as Real’s Jude Bellingham joins Cristiano Ronaldo in scoring in first four La Liga games
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Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring the winning goal in the 95th minute for Real Madrid.
PHOTO: AFP
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BARCELONA – Jude Bellingham said his legs were left “shaking” as Real Madrid fans serenaded him with The Beatles song Hey Jude on Saturday.
The England international hit a 95th-minute winner for Real against Getafe in a derby at the Santiago Bernabeu, securing a 2-1 win with his fifth La Liga goal in four games.
“It’s the loudest moment I’ve heard in a stadium, happily it was for my goal,” Bellingham told Real Madrid TV.
“When they were singing Hey Jude at the end, I got goosebumps.
“I just wanted to stand still and listen to them.
“My legs were shaking.
“I know I was brought in for these kind of moments, they’re the kind of moments I know I can deliver for this team.”
Real spent over €100 million (S$146 million) in the summer to sign Bellingham from Borussia Dortmund, and he has scored in all four matches they have played in La Liga this season.
“He’s out of the ordinary,” said Real midfielder Brahim Diaz, after the game.
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti praised Bellingham for his strong start to life in the Spanish capital.
“His quality isn’t surprising anybody, but the number of goals he’s got is surprising,” said Ancelotti, who deploys the 20-year-old behind the forwards in a No. 10 role.
“He’s very professional, and he has a lot of examples for professionalism in this squad. He is learning very quickly.”
Bellingham joins a small group of players to have netted in each of their first four La Liga matches, including Real’s all-time record goalscorer Cristiano Ronaldo.
The midfielder has scored five of Real’s eight La Liga goals this season, helping to fill the void left by Ballon d’Or holder Karim Benzema’s departure for Al-Ittihad.
Joselu, who was starting in place of the injured Vinicius Jr, had pulled Ancelotti’s side level after former Real striker Borja Mayoral sent the visitors ahead in the first match under a roof at Madrid’s remodelled stadium.
Real youth product Mayoral capitalised on a heavy Fran Garcia backwards pass, nipping in to pick up the ball.
He then rounded Kepa Arrizabalaga and slotted home after 11 minutes.
However, Joselu netted his first Real goal from close range just after the break when Getafe could not clear Luka Modric’s teasing cross with the outside of his boot.
In added time, Getafe goalkeeper David Soria’s only mistake ended up costing his team, as he could only parry Lucas Vazquez’s long drive and Bellingham reacted quickest to turn the loose ball home.
Earlier, Takefusa Kubo hit a brace to help Real Sociedad earn their first win of the season, beating promoted side Granada 5-3 in San Sebastian.
Imanol Alguacil’s side drew their opening three league games in a frustrating domestic start, as the club look forward to their Champions League return after a decade away from Europe’s premier competition.
Sociedad visit Real after the international break, before hosting Inter Milan as they get their European campaign under way. AFP
