Real Madrid's Bellingham scores again to secure 1-0 win at Celta
Real Madrid's new signing Jude Bellingham scored in the second half to earn his side a third straight win as they beat Celta Vigo 1-0 in LaLiga on Friday to maintain a perfect start.
The 20-year-old once again led the Spanish giants' attack, scoring for the fourth time in his first three league games following Rodrygo's missed penalty earlier in the second half.
Real were dealt an early blow as Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr was forced off with a leg problem after 15 minutes, a notable loss for Carlo Ancelotti's side that comes on top of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Éder Militão's injuries.
"Vinicius had some discomfort and we took him off. We'll see what he has in the next few hours, he had some muscular discomfort in his leg," Ancelotti said.
"I don't think [it's serious]. He wanted to carry on...I think after the break [international break], he'll be back. It's a shame, he started well, he looked unstoppable."
It is the first muscle injury suffered by the left winger, who has scored 28 goals with 19 assists for Real since the start of last season.
Ancelotti added that Real will not look for further signings as his squad is strong enough despite injuries and the departure of Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema to the Saudi Pro League.
"It is a complete squad. If we are able to win without Courtois, Militao, Karim, Vinicius, it means that the squad is well put together. They have done well," he said.
Celta were also forced into a substitution due to Franco Cervi's injury shortly before halftime.
The visitors had already come under fire in the opening seconds as Celta thought they had taken the lead only for VAR to rule out Jorgen Larsen's effort for a foul on goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, making his debut following his loan from Chelsea.
"Kepa has played well, a clean sheet is a good sign," said Ancelotti. "He deserved to play, I have said in these games that the goal is well covered, both with Kepa and (Andriy) Lunin."
Rodrygo then had a golden chance to earn Real the lead in the 68th minute with a penalty after keeper Iván Villar tripped him in the box. However, Villar redeemed himself as he dived to his right to keep out the Brazilian forward's spot kick.
"I told (Real midfielder Fede) Valverde that Luka (Modric) had to take the penalty, I don't know what happened between them that they chose Rodrygo," Ancelotti said. "I am a bit upset that Luka didn't take the penalty."
However, England midfielder Bellingham put La Liga leaders Real in front 10 minutes from time with a header from Joselu's touch off a corner to maintain his impressive start.
"Bellingham is doing very well, he keeps scoring. He's doing it because he's moving very well without the ball" Ancelotti said. "He's intelligent, he arrives at the right moment."
After three away matches, high-flying Real will play their first home game next Saturday against Getafe as renovations at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium are completed.
-
1:55:27
Fresh and Fit
4 hours agoAfter Hours w/ Ryan Garcia
105K131 -
LIVE
SonnyFaz
1 hour agoIT'S THE END AS WE KNOW IT
2,144 watching -
2:08:07
TheSaltyCracker
6 hours agoUnleash Barron Trump ReeEEeE Stream 05-10-24
104K334 -
56:59
LFA TV
19 hours agoBiden Throws Hamas a Lifeline | Trumpet Daily 5.10.24 9pm EST
29.2K10 -
1:50:14
Kim Iversen
7 hours agoThis Ex-Zionist Loved and Lived In Israel Until He Realized Decades of Deep Deception
54.4K222 -
59:06
The StoneZONE with Roger Stone
9 hours agoWhat's Up With RFK Jr. And Who Is He Taking More Votes From? The StoneZONE w/ Roger Stone
45.8K18 -
2:17:59
The Quartering
12 hours agoBidens Israel Blunder, Bannon To Jail?, NYC Crime, Chris Cuomo w/ Ian Crossland
63.4K38 -
1:35:13
Roseanne Barr
7 hours agoKeep My Name Out Yo M*Therf*Cking Mouth! | The Roseanne Barr Podcast #47
66.4K111 -
1:37:19
Mally_Mouse
7 hours agoLet's Play!!
43.3K8 -
8:15:23
MissesMaam
13 hours agoNormal as Blueberry Pie ✨ | Fallout 4 (pt. 15) 💚
44.5K21