MADRID — Jude Bellingham’s promising begin with Real Madrid has rapidly helped quell a few of the disappointment prompted by Karim Benzema’s departure and the membership’s failure to herald Kylian Mbappé.
Madrid’s high signing to this point this yr obtained off to a red-hot begin, scoring as soon as within the workforce’s 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao within the Spanish league opener and twice within the 3-1 win at Almeria final weekend. Bellingham shall be attracting all the eye once more when Madrid visits Celta Vigo on Saturday to attempt to keep excellent.
His arrival introduced loads of pleasure to Madrid followers hopeful he might make an prompt impression and enhance the workforce’s midfield, and his early performances exceeded even a few of the most optimistic expectations.
Most importantly, they gave Madrid assurance that it has an essential attacking possibility in a sector of the squad that had many followers anxious due to its lack of depth. Madrid misplaced Benzema and three different forwards within the offseason – Eden Hazard, Marco Asensio and Mariano Díaz. The solely addition to the assault was Spain striker Joselu, who got here on a mortgage from Espanyol.
“We think that Bellingham’s arrival makes up for Karim’s absence,” Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti advised Italy’s Radio Serie A on Tuesday in feedback picked up by the Spanish sports day by day Marca. “He is a serious and mature kid, with a lot of quality. What he has been able to do so far doesn’t surprise those who know him. What is a surprise is that he is only 20 years old.”
The England midfielder was one of the vital sought-after gamers this yr, becoming a member of Madrid on a 130 million euro ($141 million) transfer from Borussia Dortmund.
Spanish day by day Marca mentioned the excessive variety of shirts offered with Bellingham’s identify has allowed Madrid to succeed in the identical ranges of gross sales as final summer season, when it gained its 14th European title. In advertising numbers, Bellingham was rapidly changing into on par with Vinícius Júnior and Eduardo Camavinga, the gamers with most shirt gross sales.
The different Madrid forwards this season are Vinícius and Rodrygo, the Brazilian duo who will probably have a much bigger main position after the departures in assault. The workforce lists Brahim Díaz as a ahead as properly, although he performed usually in midfield throughout his mortgage with AC Milan.
Benzema, final yr’s Ballon d’Or winner, was the workforce’s high participant the previous couple of seasons, main the assault after Cristiano Ronaldo departed. The French striker left to take a profitable deal in Saudi Arabia. There was hope Mbappé would lastly be part of Madrid this season, however the membership has but to make a deal work with Paris Saint-Germain.
Celta, with former Madrid coach Rafa Benítez on the helm this season, shall be trying to win its first match after opening with a 2-0 dwelling loss towards Osasuna and a 1-1 draw at Real Sociedad because of Óscar Mingueza’s stoppage-time equalizer.
Madrid is enjoying its first three video games on the street due to renovation work at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
OTHER MATCHES
Defending champion Barcelona will face Villarreal on Sunday to attempt to win its second consecutive match after opening with a 0-0 draw at Getafe. The Catalan membership will nonetheless be with out coach Xavi Hernandez and ahead Raphinha, who acquired two-game suspensions after being despatched off towards Getafe. Xavi was red-carded for complaining with the referee, whereas Raphinha was caught elbowing an opponent. Villarreal opened with a 2-1 loss to Real Betis at dwelling however rebounded with a 1-0 win at Mallorca.
Atletico Madrid on Monday visits Rayo Vallecano, one of many three groups to start out with a pair of victories, together with Real Madrid and Valencia. Atletico gained its opener towards Granada and drew with Betis final weekend.
Valencia goes for its third straight win when it hosts Osasuna on Sunday, whereas Sevilla tries to earn its first level following consecutive losses when it hosts Girona on Saturday. Sociedad seems to be to breakthrough with a victory after two attracts when it visits promoted Las Palmas on Friday. Athletic Bilbao hosts Betis on Sunday.
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