Winning mentality! Jude Bellingham turns attention to ‘another title’ after ‘complicated’ Real Madrid game that saw goal-scoring run extended to five matches

Goals from Valverde, Rodrygo, and Bellingham — who has now scored in six successive La Liga matches — weren't enough to beat mid-table Vallecano and lift Madrid to the summit of the division. However, they have a chance to secure a different kind of title in midweek, as they travel to Qatar to play against Pachuca in the final of the Intercontinental Cup. Posting on Instagram, Bellingham insisted it was time to switch focus and concentrate on that challenge.

Madrid are still just one point away from league leaders Barcelona, and a victory on Wednesday night will give them a huge boost, even if the revamped Intercontinental Cup remains small fry in comparison with the other competitions Los Blancos are involved in. A sizeable victory will give them great confidence going into their final match of 2024 against Sevilla.

Reacting to the Rayo Vallecano game on Instagram, Bellingham wrote: "One of the more complicated away games but should be leaving with more than a point. Rest and refocus for an opportunity to win another title on Wednesday. #HalaMadrid."

The English midfielder has shone in La Liga again this season, particularly in recent weeks, and he will no doubt play a key role in Madrid's final two games of the year: the Intercontinental Cup final and a home fixture against Sevilla on December 22. With Barca facing a tricky clash with Atletico Madrid next weekend, a win for Madrid could see them go into the winter break top of the table for a second year running.