The England midfielder helped Carlo Ancelotti’s team win 3-0 by scoring one goal and dishing out an outstanding assist for another.

Real Madrid easily defeated Girona, the surprise leaders in La Liga, 3-0 on Saturday to make a statement early in the competition for the championship. As he came back into the starting lineup, Jude Bellingham was instrumental in Madrid’s victory once more, helping to set up the opening goal and scoring the vital third.

Girona gave Madrid early trouble as Viktor Tsygankov and Yangel Herrera both missed easy headers in the first five minutes. On the other side, Carlo Ancelotti’s team also struggled, with Joselu and Vinicius Jr. appearing to be careless in the last third of the game and failing to make an impact.

But Bellingham made an adjustment that was not unprecedented this season. With the ball in midair, the England midfielder found room to send it to the charging Joselu, who was unable to miss from close range with a trivela pass. Not long after, Aurelien Tchouameni scored his first goal for Los Blancos with a free header following a defensive blunder from a corner.

After the interval, Girona forced an athletic stop from Kepa Arrizabalaga and had two corner kick opportunities that they missed. Madrid ought to have won the game at the other end, but under duress, Bellingham fumbled his lines.

But on his second opportunity, he scored flawlessly, seizing a rebound and found the bottom corner to round off another victory in his developing Madrid career. Meanwhile, there was controversy around the match’s conclusion as Madrid captain Nacho was sent out for a terrible challenge during stoppage time.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Kepa Arrizabalaga (7/10):

Made an excellent save early in the second half. Will be happy with the clean sheet.

Dani Carvajal (5/10):

Given problems by the in-form Savinho early on. Really vulnerable when the ball was in the air, too.

Antonio Rudiger (7/10):

Won a few headers, composed on the ball. Could’ve linked up with Madrid’s midfielders more effectively, though.

Nacho (3/10):

Lacking in legs, but was bailed out by his centre-back partner. Sent off for a horrific challenge in stoppage time.

Eduardo Camavinga (7/10):

Back at left-back, which says a lot about where Ancelotti stands on Fran Garcia. Turned in a classy performance.

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Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni (7/10):

Solid at the base of midfield once again. Took his goal well, too.

Federico Valverde (7/10):

Full of legs as usual. A vital shift in the middle of the park.

Toni Kroos (7/10):

As reliable as ever in his passing, and more impactful defensively than in prior weeks. Looked tired midway through the second half, though.

Jude Bellingham (8/10):

A lovely trivela pass helped give Madrid the lead. Should have made it 3-0 early in the second half. Made no mistake when given an opportunity with 20 minutes to go.

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Attack

Joselu (6/10):

A surprise inclusion over Rodrygo. Scored the opener after turning in a poor opening 15 minutes. Might lose his spot, but he’s done his part.

Vinicius Jr (6/10):

Lacking in sharpness after spending nearly a month on the sidelines. Removed in the second half. He will need more minutes.

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Subs & Manager

Rodrygo (6/10):

Covered for the tired Vinicius and didn’t offer much.

Dani Ceballos (7/10):

Gave Madrid vital midfield control late on. He’s been impressive in two cameos so far.

Lucas Vazquez (N/A):

No time to make an impact

Brahim Diaz (N/A):

No time to make an impact.

Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):

Made the bold call to start Joselu over Rodrygo, and moved Camavinga to left-back. Madrid were shaky in the opening minutes, but grabbed control of the game after. Will be concerned by a potential suspension for Nacho given his lack of fit defenders, though.