Jude Bellingham Relieved After First Madrid Goal of the Season

Jude Bellingham admitted he was “relieved” and “unbelievably happy” after scoring his first goal of the season, guiding Real Madrid to a crucial 1-0 victory over Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday night. The England midfielder capitalized on a rebound from Vinícius Júnior’s shot, finding the back of the net from inside the six-yard box at the Santiago Bernabéu to give Madrid all three points.

The goal marked an important moment for Bellingham, who had not found the net since undergoing shoulder surgery in July. His goal also came at a pivotal time, with Madrid looking to extend their perfect record in the Champions League after securing three consecutive victories in the group stages.

“It’s a great feeling, a long time now since I’ve scored,” Bellingham told CBS following the match. “I’ve had a lot of time out and dreamed of this moment—back in the Champions League and against a big team. To score a winner here at home, it’s unbelievable.”

Bellingham’s strike was a perfect reminder of his quality in front of goal and his relentless work ethic. His movement inside the penalty area—always alert for a second ball—was the difference in a tight match.

Bellingham Returns to Form After Injury Setback

The midfielder’s impressive debut season at Real Madrid saw him score 19 goals in La Liga, but he faced challenges in 2024-25. Injuries and inconsistent performances saw Madrid’s campaign falter, with the club failing to secure a major trophy. However, Bellingham’s recent performances suggest a return to the form that made him one of Europe’s most sought-after talents.

“I didn’t think last year was a disaster,” Bellingham reflected on his previous season. “I still scored 15 goals and had 14 assists. But I know the general feeling was that it wasn’t up to the standards we expect. I was part of that. We didn’t play as well as I wanted, but there were still good moments.”

His recent goal against Juventus not only marked a personal achievement but also signaled that Bellingham is getting back to his best. The midfielder was pleased with how he felt physically and mentally after his return from surgery, emphasizing that he feels “comfortable” and “really good” on the pitch.

Courtois Praises Bellingham’s Work Ethic

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois praised Bellingham’s mindset and presence on the field, noting his ability to stay focused during crucial moments.

“Vini [Vinícius Júnior] makes the move, and Jude is there, watching for the second ball,” Courtois said. “He’s getting back to his best level. He had a great game.”

Bellingham’s determination and ability to make an impact, despite the tight nature of the match, were key to securing the win for Madrid. His strike was a testament to his maturity as a player, able to remain in the right place at the right time to make the difference for his team.

Xabi Alonso Impressed with Bellingham’s All-Around Performance

Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was quick to praise Bellingham not just for his goal, but for his overall performance against Juventus. Alonso lauded his midfielder for his versatility, intelligence, and work rate in a match where space was limited, and opportunities were few.

“Independently of the goal, Jude had a very complete game,” Alonso said. “It was difficult; there wasn’t much space, Juventus sat deep. But I liked the game he played in Getafe, and I liked his performance today a lot. He scored a goal, and he was competitive. He won a lot of balls and got into positions in the box. He’s one of the most complete players in the world.”

The former Liverpool and Bayern Munich midfielder emphasized Bellingham’s ability to cover ground and adapt his game. His dynamic and multifaceted playing style continues to make him an invaluable asset to the Madrid midfield.

Looking Ahead to the Clásico

With the win over Juventus, Real Madrid head into Sunday’s La Liga Clásico against Barcelona with confidence. Madrid are currently two points ahead of their rivals in the standings, having played nine games so far this season.

For Bellingham, the upcoming match represents another opportunity to build on his recent performances and cement his place as one of the top midfielders in Europe. Despite the challenges of the past year, his recovery from injury and his improving form put him in a strong position to make a significant impact in the high-stakes encounter with Barcelona.

As Bellingham continues to regain his sharpness and fitness, Real Madrid will be hopeful that he can produce more of the same when it matters most, helping them to chase La Liga and Champions League glory this season.