Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham delivered an outstanding performance as Los Blancos secured a 4-1 victory over Espanyol in La Liga. The 21-year-old midfielder had just returned from injury after featuring in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday, and manager Carlo Ancelotti immediately put him in the starting lineup for the clash against the Catalan side.
Bellingham was instrumental in Madrid’s play, making his presence felt all over the pitch. His ability to control the game from midfield, linking up seamlessly with the attack, was crucial in driving Madrid’s momentum throughout the match. Despite Espanyol taking a surprising lead in the second half, they quickly regained their footing.
Madrid, the 36-time La Liga champions, showcased their resilience by equalizing just four minutes later, a hallmark of their champion mentality.
Bellingham played a pivotal role in the equalizer, delivering a dangerous cross that caused chaos in the Espanyol box. The ball slipped through the grasp of goalkeeper Joan Garcia, allowing Dani Carvajal to score from close range. It was a moment that reflected Bellingham’s influence on the game, as he was directly involved in Madrid’s resurgence.
His stats for the night highlighted his overall dominance: Bellingham made three key passes, won all six of his duels, and contributed defensively with four interceptions and two tackles.
Additionally, he won two fouls, further demonstrating his well-rounded contribution to the team. His performance was met with a standing ovation from the Santiago Bernabeu crowd as he was substituted late in the game, a sign of their appreciation for his superb display.
However, there was a moment of concern for Real Madrid and their fans. Bellingham appeared to suffer an injury just before he was taken off. He had his hand pulled awkwardly, which seemed to strain his shoulder as he fell.
The England international was seen holding his shoulder as he exited the pitch, although he reassured the press afterward that he was fine. Despite his reassurance, both Ancelotti and Madrid supporters will anxiously await further updates, as the team faces a demanding schedule with key matches coming up.
As the game progressed, Real Madrid’s other stars took center stage. Vinicius Junior, coming off the bench, made an immediate impact by scoring a goal and setting up another for Rodrygo.
Meanwhile, substitute Endrick won a penalty, which Kylian Mbappe confidently converted, sealing Madrid’s dominant 4-1 win. The victory extended Madrid’s impressive unbeaten run, with the club now having gone 37 matches without a loss in La Liga and 50 games unbeaten across all competitions.
Overall, it was a night of mixed emotions for Madrid. While they celebrated another crucial win and Bellingham’s masterful performance, there remains a level of concern surrounding the young midfielder’s injury.
With Bellingham being one of the team’s standout players and a Ballon d’Or nominee, Madrid will be hoping for his swift recovery as they continue to push for success in both La Liga and the Champions League.
