The midfielder found the net in stoppage-time to secure a 1-0 win for Carlo Ancelotti's side after a frustrating evening at Santiago Bernabeu
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…
Getty ImagesGoalkeeper & Defence
Kepa Arrizabalaga (6/10):
Didn't have anything to do. He really shouldn't have to against this team.
Lucas Vazquez (7/10):
Handed a rare start. Offered a lot going forward in the first half, and should've had an assist to his name.
Antonio Rudiger (7/10):
A bit unsteady at the back in the early goings, when Union threatened. Settled after, and probably should have scored.
Nacho (6/10):
Did a job with the armband on. Correctly removed after 70 minutes.
David Alaba (7/10):
Offered cover at left-back, before looking far more comfortable in the middle. A stalwart for this side.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesMidfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (6/10):
Picked up a silly yellow card, but was otherwise composed at the base of midfield. Could have moved the ball quicker, though.
Luka Modric (8/10):
Now 38 and still bossing the midfield for fun. He comes alive on European nights.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Probably the least effective of the diamond. Won the ball back, but didn't match the tempo of Modric and Bellingham.
Jude Bellingham (9/10):
A constant danger at the tip of Madrid's midfield. Came close on multiple occasions, before burying an inevitable winner.
Getty ImagesAttack
Rodrygo (7/10):
Was relatively quiet before coming alive in the second half. Unlucky not to score.
Joselu (5/10):
Missed one good chance and one half chance in the opening period. Continued to fail to hit the target after the break. Ended the night with 11 attempts and no goals. Unlucky or ineffective? Perhaps both.
Getty ImagesSubs & Manager
Federico Valverde (8/10):
An excellent showing after coming on. Direct, powerful, smart in his passing. His shot led to Bellingham's winner.
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Raised the tempo for the home side.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
An injection of pace on the left. His defensive weaknesses did leave Madrid open once or twice.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
Not enough time to make an impact.
Carlo Ancelotti (7/10):
Rotated heavily ahead of the Madrid derby. Vazquez and Nacho were handed starts, while Modric also came in. It seemed like one of those days before he was saved by his star man.
