Real Madrid has made a new signing. Jude Bellingham scored in the second half to give his team a third consecutive victory as they defeated Celta Vigo 1-0 in LaLiga on Friday.
Following Rodrygo’s failed penalty earlier in the second half, the 20-year-old once again spearheaded the Spanish giants’ attack, scoring for the fourth time in his first three league outings.
Real Madrid were struck an early blow as Brazilian striker Vinicius Jr was forced off after 15 minutes with a leg ailment, a significant setback for Carlo Ancelotti’s side that comes on top of the injuries to custodian Thibaut Courtois and defender Éder Milito.
“Vinicius was in pain, so we removed him.” “We’ll see what he has in the next few hours; he had some muscle pain in his leg,” Ancelotti stated.
“I don’t believe [it’s serious].” He wanted to keep going…I believe he will return after the international break. It’s a pity since he began brilliantly and seemed unstoppable.”
It is the left winger’s first muscle ailment since the start of last season, when he had 28 goals and 19 assists for Real.
Despite injuries and the departure of Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League, Ancelotti believes Real Madrid’s team is strong enough.
“It’s a full squad.” If we can win without Courtois, Militao, Karim, or Vinicius, it shows that the team is well-balanced. “They did well,” he stated.
Celta were also forced to make a substitute just before halfway owing to Franco Cervi’s injury.
Celta believed they had grabbed the lead in the opening seconds, only for VAR to rule out Jorgen Larsen’s shot for a foul on custodian Kepa Arrizabalaga, who was making his debut after a loan from Chelsea.
“Kepa has played well, and a clean sheet is always a good sign,” Ancelotti added. “He deserved to play; I’ve said in these games that the goal is well covered, with Kepa and (Andriy) Lunin both.”
Rodrygo then had a wonderful opportunity in the 68th minute to give Real the lead with a penalty when goalie Iván Villar tripped him in the area. Villar, on the other hand, redeemed himself by diving to his right to save the Brazilian forward’s penalty kick.
“I told (Real Madrid midfielder Fede) Valverde that Luka (Modric) had to take the penalty, and I don’t know what happened between them that they chose Rodrygo,” Ancelotti said. “I’m disappointed that Luka did not take the penalty.”
However, England midfielder Bellingham put La Liga champions Real ahead with a header from Joselu’s touch off a corner 10 minutes from time to continue his remarkable start.
“Bellingham is doing fantastic; he keeps scoring.” He’s doing it because he moves so effectively without the ball,” Ancelotti said. “He’s astute; he arrives at the right time.”
After three away games, Real Madrid will play their first home game against Getafe next Saturday, as repairs to the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium are finished.
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