In a pulsating Champions League encounter, Jude Bellingham played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s 3-2 victory over Serie A champions Napoli, contributing to two crucial goals in the first half.
Bellingham’s exceptional performance began with an interception of Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo’s pass. He swiftly provided an assist to Vinicius Junior, leveling the score at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
The young English international then showcased his dribbling skills, weaving through Napoli’s defense from midfield and scoring a goal reminiscent of the legendary Maradona, for whom the stadium is named.
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, marveled at Bellingham’s abilities, stating, “What surprises me is that he’s only 20 years old. He has extraordinary qualities and he’s showing how much talent he has.”
Jude Bellingham, who recently made a 100 million euro ($105 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund to Real Madrid, has now scored two goals in two Champions League matches, along with six goals in seven Spanish league appearances. His debut in the Champions League for Madrid also featured a goal, securing a 1-0 victory over Union Berlin.
Real Madrid’s winning goal was credited as an own-goal by Napoli’s goalkeeper, Alex Meret. It followed a powerful shot from Federico Valverde that deflected off Di Lorenzo, struck the crossbar, and was inadvertently touched into the net by a leaping Meret.
Napoli had taken an early lead with a header by Leo Ostigard, who leaped over Dani Carvajal.
In the second half, Napoli was awarded a controversial penalty when Victor Osimhen was tackled by Nacho. After a lengthy VAR review, Piotr Zielinski converted the spot-kick, with the ball ricocheting off the left post and into the net.
Real Madrid, the 14-time Champions League champion, currently tops Group C with six points. Napoli and Braga both have three points, while Union Berlin remains at the bottom with zero points, following Braga’s 3-2 victory earlier in the day.
