Jude Bellingham started his Real Madrid career in style after sealing a big money move from Borussia Dortmund this summer
Madrid's marquee signing scored his side's second goal and was a constant threat for all 90 minutes as Carlo Ancelotti's side cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Athletic Club in their La Liga opener.
Bellingham turned in a tireless 90 minutes for Los Blancos. Operating as a No.10 behind split strikers, the Englishman proved to be a difference maker, and showed that Madrid can perhaps survive without a clear number nine following the departure of Karim Benzema.
Indeed, one of the two forwards in Ancelotti's new-look Madrid side broke the deadlock. Rodrygo received a Dani Carvajal pass and fired a speculative effort into the near post — one Unai Simon would feel he should've saved.
Vinicius should have made it two shortly after, firing at Simon after gliding past two defenders. Bellingham made up for his team-mate's mistake, making it two from a scuffed attempt off a corner. There were further close moments. Rodrygo and Vinicius both had further chances, while Bellingham created chaos with a series of driving runs from midfield.
Athletic Club, for their part, didn't threaten much. Andiry Lunin, handed the start after Thibaut Courtois tore his anterior cruciate ligament in training, had very little to do.
But it wasn't an entirely carefree opener for Madrid. Eder Militao needed assistance off the field after sustaining what appeared to be a serious knee injury — a sure blow to Madrid's backline ahead of a long season.
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