Who would have expected it? Jude Bellingham, the star of last season, finally broke his scoring drought with a cheeky lobbed finish in Real Madrid's 4-0 thrashing of Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu.
After an almost six-month wait, his first goal of the season felt like a moment of redemption for a player who was making waves at this very time last year.
It's easy to forget now, but just 12 months ago, Bellingham was the man of the moment—leading Madrid's charge with 23 goals in his debut season. His combination of maturity and technical brilliance made him an instant fan favourite and a key figure in Madrid's midfield.
Fast forward to today, and his run of 14 matches without scoring had begun to weigh on him, and the fans alike. But one moment in the 42nd minute on Saturday reminded everyone exactly why Madrid invested so heavily in him last summer.
A beautifully executed lob over Osasuna's goalkeeper, Sergio Herrera, marked the end of Bellingham's drought and reinvigorated his season. The ball came to him off a long pass from Raul Asencio, and in a flash, Bellingham showed his composure, lifting the ball over the keeper with elegance. The confidence was back, and for many, it was a relief to see him finally find the back of the net.
But of course, this goal wasn’t just about Bellingham. It came in a match where Madrid showed resilience despite more injury setbacks, as Eder Militao and Rodrygo were both forced off with tears in their eyes.
Yet, Madrid’s commitment was clear—Bellingham had assisted Vinicius Junior for Madrid's first goal, and after his own strike, Vinicius took over, scoring a second-half hat-trick to cap off a commanding victory.
Who could have predicted this after Madrid’s crushing defeats to Barcelona in el Clasico and Milan in the Champions League? Bellingham, a man who seemed like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders, was once again the star—proving that even the best can endure a slump and come out on top.
The win was a much-needed confidence boost, but the injury concerns remain, especially with the ongoing absence of key players like Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, and Thibaut Courtois.
But for now, Madrid fans will celebrate Bellingham’s return to form. It was a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change, and how many have forgotten just how special a talent he is. Hopefully, this goal marks the first of many in what promises to be another memorable season for the England international.
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