In a spectacular start to the La Liga season, Jude Bellingham marked his Real Madrid debut with a goal, aiding his team to clinch a 2-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday, August 12.
Taking to the pitch in the iconic No. 5 jersey, previously worn by Madrid legend Zinedine Zidane, Bellingham was in the limelight while the seasoned Luka Modric and Toni Kroos looked on from the bench at San Mames Stadium.
Bellingham's maiden goal for Madrid might not have possessed the artistry often associated with Zidane, but a hint of luck and positioning ensured it found the net. A corner kick from David Alaba met an unguarded Bellingham, who sent the ball bouncing over Spanish keeper Unai Simon.
Basking in the admiration of Madrid supporters, he exclaimed, “First game, first victory, first goal. Hala Madrid!” on Madrid's official Twitter account post-match.
Rodrygo had earlier given Real Madrid the lead, eight minutes prior to Bellingham's goal.
Having transferred from Borussia Dortmund to Madrid for an impressive €130 million ($142 million) during the summer, Bellingham didn't hold back on showing his skills, evoking memories of Zidane with a dazzling run past three Bilbao defenders in the second half.
Carlo Ancelotti, Madrid's head coach, was all praise: “Bellingham is one of a kind… He is a very important signing.” With Karim Benzema's exit and the team's eyes on potentially acquiring Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain, the onus is now on players like Bellingham, Rodrygo, and Vinícius Junior to step up their game.
Rodrygo's goal was a masterclass in skill, while Vinícius had a near miss that was thwarted by Simón, setting the stage for Bellingham to double the lead.
Real Madrid's defence stood firm against Bilbao's attempts, with David Alaba and Aurelien Tchouameni making crucial blocks. To support their injured teammate, Thibaut Courtois, Madrid players donned T-shirts reading “Lots of strength, Tibo” before the game began.
However, Madrid's Eder Militao's injury cast a shadow on their win. The Brazilian centre-back suffered an apparent knee injury, with Ancelotti commenting, “Militao has twisted his knee and it does not look good… We are worried.”
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