Real Madrid’s 100 million man scored his fourth in three games to lift Real Madrid to their third win of the season

Bellingham played hero for Madrid for the third game in a row, salvaging his side with a late header to beat a well-organised Celta Vigo outfit. Los Blancos struggled for long periods after Vinicius Jr went off injured, but still managed to grab a tricky 1-0 win away from home. Bellingham has now found the back of the net four times in three outings since the La Liga campaign began.

Celta Vigo had a goal ruled out inside four minutes, with Jorgen Strand Larsen’s flick ruled out after Kepa Arrizibalaga was adjudged to have been fouled in the build up. Madrid weren’t fortunate for long, though. Vinicius Jr was removed from the game 10 minutes later, going down with an injury to his right thigh.

And they lacked bite without their star man. His substitute, Joselu, came closest in the first half. He had the ball in the net, but was offside by two yards when he received a pass from Jude Bellingham. Another Bellingham pass set up Madrid’s best chance of the second half, the Englishman feeding Rodrygo, who was clipped by the Celta Vigo keeper inside the box — only to miss the ensuing penalty.

But when he got a chance of his own, Bellingham took it. The new signing buried Madrid’s only goal, diving across his marker to nod home from a well-worked corner routine to sew up a 1-0 win amid an otherwise flat performance.

GOAL rates Real Madrid’s players from Balaidos…

 

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):

Got a slightly favourable call from VAR to see Celta’s goal disallowed. Otherwise had little to do other than burn clock in the final minutes.

Dani Carvajal (8/10):

Energetic, hard in a tackle, creative on the right. His best performance of the season so far.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Handled Celta’s front two reasonably well. He’s settled in nicely for the injured Eder Militao.

David Alaba (7/10):

A composed performance against a bullish striker in Strand Larsen. Bossed his backline around a bit, too.

Fran Garcia (6/10):

Good going forward, and better defensively. Improving with every game

Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):

Solid in his tackles, and much-improved going forward. A good shift. Sacrificed for Kroos after an hour.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Started on the right, moved to the left. Carried the ball effectively, ate up ground, but could offer more in the final third — especially with Los Blancos thin up front.

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

As reliable as usual. Won the ball a lot, passed well. He’s becoming a far more effective dribbler, too. Unfortunate to be subbed.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

Scored the winner — again. Fed Rodrygo with a lovely reverse ball to win Madrid’s penalty. Created a couple of other good chances. An absolute bargain.

Rodrygo (5/10):

Linked up with Vinicius well in the early goings, but was far less effective when his strike partner went off injured. Missed a penalty — throwing away Madrid’s best chance of the night.

Vinicius Jr (5/10):

Lively for 10 minutes before being removed with a hamstring injury. It’ll be a massive worry for Ancelotti.

Joselu (6/10):

Introduced for Vinicius. Stranded out on the wing and didn’t get into his preferred central areas enough. Assisted Bellingham’s winner.

Toni Kroos (6/10):

A bit shaky after being introduced, but helped Madrid seize control of the contest.

Luka Modric (6/10):

Looks short of rhythm when only playing brief fragments of games.

Nacho (6/10):

Earned an excellent yellow card to prevent a late Celta Vigo break.

Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):

Fielded his strongest possible side, but Madrid lacked bite without Vinicius. Bailed out by the brilliant Bellingham again, but he will need his talisman back as soon as possible.