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Real Madrid player ratings vs Union Berlin: Jude Bellingham won't be denied! England star the last-gasp hero yet again to get misfiring Joselu out of jail in Champions League opener

Joselu's missed chances tally may have reached double digits for Real Madrid against Union Berlin on Tuesday, but Jude Bellingham bailed the striker out with yet another goal to start the Blancos' Champions League campaign in typically dramatic fashion. Carlo Ancelotti's side seemed to be heading for a frustrating stalemate, but Bellingham's 94th-minute goal gave his side a deserved victory.

Madrid were well-defended by Champions League debutants Union in the first half. Still, Joselu had the most obvious goalscoring opportunity, rising to meet Lucas Vazquez's cross at the far post, but he skewed his header wide. Bellingham also came close, but slipped before he could connect with Luka Modric's cut-back.

The hosts offered more in the second half, as Rodrygo hit the post with a flying volley while Joselu saw a close-range effort tipped over the bar. By the closing stages, it had descended into bad luck for the 33-year-old, as a plethora of opportunities were either saved, or trickled wide of the net. Others were culpable, too, including Antonio Rudiger, who missed from five yards out.

Still, Madrid stayed in the contest, and Bellingham latched onto a ricocheted effort from Federico Valverde, turning home with the goal gaping. It was yet another dramatic ending for a team that cannot do without them in Europe.

GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Santiago Bernabeu...

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