Bellingham helps Real win against Barca

Spain English midfielder Jude Bellingham scored twice to help Real Madrid beat host Barca 2-1 in round 11 of La Liga.

Barca were the better side for the first hour or so, taking an early lead and hitting the post twice. But Bellingham's talent secured three points for Real, taking them back to the top of La Liga. It was Real's third win at Barca's stadium in their last four visits to the Clasico.

Bellingham (left) celebrates Real Madrid's equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Barca in La Liga at the Olimpic Lluis Companys Stadium on October 28, 2023. Photo: EPA

Before Bellingham, the last player to score a brace for Real against Barca in La Liga was Karim Benzema nine years ago. This time the 20-year-old midfielder made his El Clasico debut with two brilliant, match-winning moments. In the 68th minute, he received the ball from about 25 metres out and fired a long-range shot into the top corner to equalise 1-1. In the second minute of injury time in the second half, the England international made a clever run into space in the penalty area and slotted the ball between the legs of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

Bellingham's second goal was a stroke of luck, as Luka Modric appeared to miss a Dani Carvajal cross. However, the ball flew right into Bellingham's path, leaving defender Inigo Martinez unable to do anything. After scoring, Bellingham ran to the corner of the away fans, raising his arms in celebration with a blank expression.

Bellingham only had two shots in the game, but scored both goals for Real. He was otherwise uninspiring, losing possession five times, more than his teammates combined. He also didn't create any chances for his teammates, but was easily the best player of the match because of his efficiency. Despite being a midfielder, Bellingham has scored 10 goals in 10 La Liga games, leading the race for the Pichichi.

Bellingham scored the winning goal for Real, 2-1. Photo: Reuters

Real did not have a shot on goal in the first half, the first time this has happened in an El Clasico since 2010. However, Barca failed to take advantage of this to take a safe lead.

El Clasico was not only exciting because of the goals, because both teams played fiercely. In the first half's extra time, Ferran Torres hugged and pulled Vinicius down near the sideline, but the referee did not blow the whistle. Coach Xavi Hernandez also argued with Vinicius, when he said Torres only used his shoulder to press. Coach Carlo Ancelotti immediately ran out to stop Vinicius, preventing the situation from getting worse.

There were also a few failed penalty calls, notably Gavi's slide tackle on Bellingham as the English midfielder faced the goalkeeper. It appeared that Gavi had hit his opponent's leg before touching the ball, but referee Gil Manzano let it slide. In response to the referee's controversial decisions, a member of the Real coaching staff reacted so badly that he was sent off.

Barca suffered their first defeat in La Liga this season, and ahead of them is a tough hurdle against Real Sociedad in the Basque country in round 12, while Real Madrid will return to the Bernabeu to welcome Rayo Vallecano next weekend.

Hoang An

Source link: https://vnexpress.net/bellingham-giup-real-thang-nguoc-tren-san-barca-4670377.html