Jude Bellingham feeling 'really good' after finally breaking goal drought for Real Madrid in crucial Champions League win over Juventus

Bellingham went under the knife after turning out at the FIFA Club World Cup. His last outing there came on July 9. He did not figure for Real again until September 20, with his start to the new campaign being delayed. Six appearances were taken in without finding the back of the net.

The Three Lions superstar was, however, back on target in European competition. Real needed inspiration from somewhere when trying to break down stubborn resistance from Serie A giants Juve. Vinicius Junior provided that spark when twisting and turning inside the box. His shot cannoned back off the post, but fell kindly for Bellingham to bundle home from close range.

Relief poured out of Bellingham as he delivered his trademark celebration, with end product in the final third an important part of his game. His last goal for Real came at the Club World Cup in June. He had found the target just twice through his last 23 appearances for the Blancos.

Bellingham told CBS Sports of getting off the mark in 2025-26: “It's a great feeling, a long time now since I've scored, a lot of time out and dreaming of that moment, back in the Champions League and against a big team. To score a winner, here at home, it's unbelievable. I felt comfortable, really good. To play well was important, and to score the winning goal helps the team a lot.”

Real are confident that Bellingham will continue to move through the gears, allowing him to get back to his very best. Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois claims to already be seeing signs of that, saying of an important goal against Juve: “It's what I like about that kind of player. Vini makes his move, and [Jude] is there, watching for the second ball. He's getting back to his best level. He had a great game.”

Bellingham registered 23 goals across his debut campaign in Madrid, helping Real to La Liga and Champions League titles. His output dipped to 15 efforts last season, with the plan being to kick on again this term.

Bellingham added: “I didn't think last year was a disaster. [It was] still 15 goals, 14 assists, but I know the general feeling was that it was worse. But I was a part of that, how we didn't play as well last year.

“There were still good moments, but not the level I want to play at, not the level like the first year. Now I've had my shoulder surgery, a new manager [Xabi Alonso], he's got that shape, how we want to play. You have to learn from it.”

Alonso has been accused of rushing Bellingham back into action, with it originally suggested that he could be out until November. The Blancos boss is, however, impressed by what he has seen from a key part of his plans.

Alonso said: “Independently of the goal, Jude had a very complete game. It was difficult, there wasn't much space, Juve sat deep. I liked the game he played in Getafe and I liked his game today a lot, and he scored a goal, too. He was competitive, he won a lot of balls, he got into positions in the box. He's a player who can cover ground, he's versatile, he has different qualities, and he knows how to get into the box, that's why he's one of the most complete players in the world.”

Real will need Bellingham to be at his best in their next game as, having maintained their 100 per cent record in Europe, they are preparing to face Clasico rivals Barcelona at Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.