Jude Bellingham equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s Real Madrid record after bagging a stoppage time winner against Getafe.
The Englishman, a summer signing from Borussia Dortmund, netted a 95th minute winner at the Bernabeu meaning he’s now scored in his first four games in Spain’s top flight. Previously that had only been achieved by Ronaldo, who moved to Los Blancos in 2009.
Bellingham has hit the ground running and has quickly set about justifying his huge fee. Madrid won the race for his signature ahead of several English sides and the midfielder scored on his debut in a win over Athletic Bilbao. He’s also found the net against Almeria and Celta Vigo.
His five goals in four games also equals Ronaldo, who 15 years ago scored against Villarreal, Espanyol, Deportivo La Coruna and also notched a brace against Xerex. Bellingham’s efforts have allowed Los Blancos to record four wins from four as they look to wrestle back the Spanish title.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side finished without a major trophy last term. However, Bellingham is spearheading their challenge this season. The 20-year-old is well on track to break his best single season haul in front of goal with Ancelotti already claiming Bellingham can replace the goals of Karim Benzema.
He told Real Madrid TV: “We have to keep going like that. Jude is always scoring goals. With me and all of the team helping, we’ll have a lot of success this season… I hope it can be like my connection with Karim, which [gave us] a lot of goals and a lot of assists, and good football.”
Bellingham rose to prominence at Birmingham City before opting to join Dortmund when the likes of Manchester United were circling. Regular minutes in the Bundesliga allowed the then teenager to continue thriving but, now surrounded by stellar names, he feels he’s already improved.
He said recently: “I think I’m 10-times better as a player than last season. I’m learning from these players. The level here is so high, I’m like a sponge taking it all in.”
Real’s next game is against Real Sociedad before he gets his first taste of a Madrid derby whilst the season’s first Clasico is in late October. Los Blancos also found out their Champions League group this week with Bellingham and co drawn with Napoli, Braga and Union Berlin.