The England international continued his dream start in a Real Madrid shirt, proving crucial in a valuable away win
Real Madrid turned in a messy showing in a hostile environment at Almeria, but were bailed out by a spellbinding 80 minutes from their big-money signing to secure a 3-1 win on the road.
Los Blancos' struggles showed early on. Almeria only needed three minutes to open the scoring, with Sergio Arribas sneaking in at the back post to head past Andriy Lunin after a sweeping counter.
Bellingham pulled Madrid level shortly after, though, slotting one into the far corner after a frantic sequence inside the Almeria box. Los Blancos thought they had another on the stroke of half-time, but saw Toni Kroos' curled strike chalked off due to a foul in the build-up.
Madrid were much improved in the second period, and their marquee newcomer led the charge. He bagged his second with a fine header, sneaking into the box and meeting Kroos' pinpoint cross. Bellingham went on to set up the third, finding Vinicius Jr just inside the box, whose deflected shot looped over the goalkeeper to seal the three points.
GOAL rates Real Madrid's players from Power Horse Stadium…
-
Goalkeeper & Defence
Andriy Lunin (6/10):
Could have done better for Almeria's opener — he didn't have to move very far to save it. Solid otherwise.
Dani Carvajal (7/10):
Turned in an excellent piece of defending to prevent an Almeria second. Probably should have scored late on.
Antonio Rudiger (6/10):
Stepped up well in the absence of Eder Militao. Could do little about the goal. Doesn't look like much of a downgrade.
David Alaba (6/10):
Sloppy at times, and was given a rough go of things by Luis Suarez. Always looked to pass forward, though.
Fran Garcia (6/10):
Left Arribas wide open on the Almeria goal, but was reliable after that. Still improving, but doesn't seem a bad option in a position of need.
Advertisement
- Getty Images
Midfield
Aurelien Tchouameni (8/10):
A much better performance. Tackled well, comfortable on the ball. Expansive in his passing after the break. Looks to have the spot nailed down.
Federico Valverde (7/10):
Kept it moving, and was as hard working as usual. Crucial in the build up to all three goals. Perhaps needs to add a few himself, though.
Toni Kroos (7/10):
Had a defensive nightmare for the home side's opener, failing to mark Arribas as he ran into the box. Saw a signature curled strike cruelly ruled out by VAR, but provided a gorgeous assist for Bellingham's second. Still makes the game look very easy.
Jude Bellingham (9/10):
Inspirational, when Madrid seemed to be out of ideas. Grabbed the equaliser in the first half, added a second just after the break. Assisted Vinicius' goal, and Madrid's third. What a signing. Kylian who?
-
Attack
Rodrygo (6/10):
Had a couple of half chances in the opening period. Lively for most of proceedings, but still looks like he needs to play off a bigger striker.
Vinicius Jr (7/10):
Sloppy, by his lofty standards. Held onto the ball for too long, and wasn't exactly crisp when trying to move it. Grabbed a lovely goal to redeem himself, though.
-
Subs & Manager
Luka Modric (6/10):
Off the bench for the second time this season. Not a bad player to bring on to close things out.
Eduardo Camavinga (6/10):
Not fit enough to start, but was solid across 20 minutes.
Joselu (N/A):
No real time to make an impact.
Brahim Diaz (N/A):
Could have had an assist late on.
Lucas Vazquez (N/A):
Fresh legs for a tired Valverde.
Carlo Ancelotti (6/10):
No place for Modric, but otherwise he went for his strongest starting XI. Madrid, in truth, weren't particularly good. Still, they had enough individual quality to win it. He will take the three points.
n8rngtd.top