La Liga Roundup: Bellingham scores brace as Real Madrid take down Almeria
BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Jude Bellingham’s double led Real Madrid’s 3-1 fightback at Almeria on Saturday, taking his tally to 3 objectives in two video games since arriving within the Spanish league.
The 20-year-old England midfielder debuted for Madrid final weekend with a purpose to seal victory at Athletic Bilbao of their season opener.
He improved on that excellent begin for the 14-time European champion together with his brace and an help at Almeria to assist overturn an early purpose by the modest host.
Vinícius Júnior added a 3rd purpose to seal the victory after he acquired the ball from Bellingham.
Bellingham, who joined Madrid on a 130-million-euro ($142 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund this summer time, scored eight objectives within the Bundesliga final season.
Wearing the No. 5 of Madrid nice Zinedine Zidane, Bellingham has instantly taken on a number one position on the sector in Carlo Ancelotti’s facet. The coach credited Bellingham’s character and the expertise he has already gathered at a younger age, as key.
“His maturity, his personality and the three years he played in Germany are the reasons why he is adapting so well to our league and to our style,” Ancelotti mentioned.
According to Opta statistics, at 20 years, 51 days previous, Bellingham turned the second youngest participant to attain in his first two Spanish league video games on this century. Athletic Bilbao’s Markel Suseata, at 19 years, 275 days previous, was the youngest to take action in 2017.
Madrid’s participant wore T-shirts in assist of Éder Militão, who tore a ligament in his left knee at Bilbao. That adopted goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tearing a knee ligament in observe. Both will likely be sidelined for months after surgical procedures.
Former Real Madrid youth participant Sergio Arribas gave Almeria a third-minute lead from a counterattack. Lucas Robertone sped down the left flank and crossed to the far put up the place Arribas headed previous Andriy Lunin, who began whereas newcomer Kepa Arrizabalaga sat on the bench.
“It was going to be a difficult game for us,” Arribas mentioned. “We tried to take the game at them … but if they have their opportunities, they will finish you off.”
Bellingham introduced Madrid again within the nineteenth when he used his shoulder to manage a header by Federico Valverde, and shot off the flip to beat goalie Luís Maximiano.
Despite taking part in with some gamers who spent simply weeks or days with the membership, together with Maximiano, who arrived this week on mortgage from Lazio, Almeria was capable of take Madrid on — till Bellingham put the guests forward.
His third purpose in simply 150 minutes with Madrid got here when he slid between two defenders and used the facet of his head to redirect in a lobbed move by Toni Kroos.
Vinícius’ purpose within the 73rd was a magnificence. The Brazil ahead, who had been saved in verify, beat Maximiano with a scooped shot from close to the sting, which appeared to take a slight deflection earlier than floating in.
“I hope that (my connection) with Jude can be like the one I had with Karim and produce so many goals and assists,” Vinícius mentioned about his new teammate.
BENÍTEZ GETS POINT
Rafa Benítez noticed his new Celta Vigo crew earn its first level after Óscar Mingueza snatched an injury-time equalizer to attract at Real Sociedad 1-1.
Sociedad was in cost after an early purpose by Ander Barrenetxea from an help by Take Kubo.
But Celta hemmed Sociedad into its field late. Goalkeeper Álex Remiro made a number of stops, together with one to disclaim Mingueza, earlier than the previous Barcelona defender tapped in a deflected move.
Sociedad, which certified for the Champions League this season, additionally drew its house opener with Girona 1-1 after main.
