Real Madrid continues their resurgence with a 3-2 victory over Atalanta in the Champions League, with Jude Bellingham at the heart of the team.
“My mother didn’t want to leave the house after the Euros,” Jude Bellingham confessed two weeks ago. He lamented being targeted for criticism after England’s failure to win the championship.
“They blamed me for losing the final against Spain. They crossed the line of respect, and I took it personally,” Bellingham expressed frustration with the English press.
Despite challenges, Bellingham has consistently risen above them.
After a stellar first season with Real Madrid, Bellingham felt adrift this past summer in Germany, struggling with a lack of respect at the national team level. Returning to Valdebebas to prepare for the 2024/25 season brought further challenges, including Toni Kroos’s retirement and Kylian Mbappé’s arrival.
In recent months, Bellingham has often been seen visibly frustrated, grappling with the adjustments implemented by coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Until the end of May, Bellingham appeared as a mature and nearly flawless figure. The new season, however, began with bitter expressions and visible dissatisfaction.
At times, his frustration showed on the pitch, like when he vocally criticized the attacking trio of Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinícius during an away match at Las Palmas.
Bellingham exemplifies Real Madrid’s current state: occasionally caught in difficult situations but never giving up.
Despite difficulties, no one can deny the value of Bellingham’s contributions. He has carried the team through rough patches, finding his scoring touch when Vinícius was injured and stepping up when Mbappé was inconsistent.
“He always contributes, even when he doesn’t score,” Ancelotti said before their away match against Atalanta in the chilly northern Italian town, located 170 kilometers from the coach’s hometown of Reggiolo.
Carlo Ancelotti added: “The team’s dynamics have shifted, becoming more fluid, and he has capitalized on that.”
Bellingham rewarded Ancelotti’s praise by scoring the decisive goal in Real Madrid’s 3-2 win over Serie A leaders Atalanta. Mbappé and Vinícius also found the net, showcasing the chemistry long awaited by Florentino Pérez and Madrid fans.
This was Bellingham’s first Champions League goal of the season and his fourth consecutive game scoring across all competitions.
The previous weekend, he delivered one of his best performances of the season, scoring and assisting in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory over Girona. In La Liga alone, he set a personal record by scoring in five consecutive matches, all with just five on-target shots.
Ancelotti consistently emphasizes that Bellingham is the new leader in the dressing room. The coach admires his ambition and competitive spirit, especially when the team faces tough times. Jude is always fully engaged in the game and works to unify the squad.
He often drops back to assist the defense and connect with players like Rüdiger or takes a few steps forward to join the attack.
In the first 12 matches of the season across all competitions, Bellingham didn’t score a single goal. In seven of those matches, he didn’t even manage a shot on target. But things have turned around. Against Atalanta, he scored with his only shot of the game.
“The best version of Bellingham we know is back,” Ancelotti said enthusiastically. Jude continues to adapt and evolve, as described by the Italian coach.
“I know my role will change, but I want to embrace responsibility,” Bellingham stated. He has now scored his first goal in the Champions League this season and covered more ground than any other Real Madrid player in the competition.
In mid-August, Bellingham was the hero who defeated Atalanta to secure the UEFA Super Cup, giving Mbappé his first international club title. Now, he has once again defeated the Serie A side, driving the Champions League holders forward.
Real Madrid is accelerating across all competitions and preparing for the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia early next year. The chant “Hey Jude” continues to echo endlessly.
