Jude Bellingham: Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti pays huge compliment after dramatic Union Berlin win

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid Union Berlin

Jude Bellingham celebrates after scoring a dramatic late winner for Real Madrid against Union Berlin

REUTERS
Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 21/09/2023

- 08:43

The England international was the hero for the La Liga giants on Wednesday night

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has dubbed Jude Bellingham 'the smartest player in the box' following his side's 1-0 win over Union Berlin in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The England international scored at the death to give Los Blancos all three points in their opening fixture of the competition.


And Ancelotti was full of praise for Bellingham in the aftermath of the game, hailing the 20-year-old for his predatory instincts in front of goal.

"You have to be there to score, as he did (late) against Getafe," said the Italian, whose side have a 100 per cent record so far this term.

Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti Jude Bellingham Union Berlin

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has lavished praise on Jude Bellingham after Union Berlin Champions League win

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"He’s the smartest player in the box when he arrives like that from the second line and he has the quality to finish."

Bellingham has now scored six goals from his first six goals for the club, while he's also clocked up one assist.

It's been an astonishing start from the midfield maestro, who joined the Spanish giants from Borussia Dortmund back in the summer.

And Bellingham has confessed his start to life in his new surroundings has gone even better than he could have imagined.

"It’s even more special than I thought," stated the youngster.

"I get goosebumps just talking about it now.

"I’m just so grateful to be at this club. I talk about the staff and the players but there is the fans as well who as you arrive to the stadium are there in their thousands just to get a glimpse of the bus and then they are there before the warm-up.

"You don’t really understand how big this club is until you are here."

On the match itself, he continued: "We dominated the game.

"I don’t remember them having too many clear cut chances but they defended really well because they were so organised.

"It was just that mentality that we have shown all season that even if there are setbacks we just keep going until the end.

"And I always believe there will be chances and it is just about being in the right position to take them."

For Bellingham, it's a dream come true.

The England star grew up watching Madrid mount stirring comebacks - and now he's been a part of one.

When asked about Real's willingness to win, and to never give up, he said: "That's the history of the club.

"I’m new to the club but I’ve had a television since I was little and ever since I can remember I’ve been watching Madrid complete comebacks when it seems there is no chance.

"And I think when you are around those players who have been part of those comebacks and never give up then it just rubs off on you.

"If you don’t have that then they sniff it out and it’s important that I keep learning from the guys.

"They are brilliant professionals and I have to keep on the path that I’m on."

Next up for Real, and Bellingham, is a huge La Liga showdown with fierce rivals Atletico Madrid on Sunday night (8pm).

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Jude Bellingham Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is loving life at Real Madrid so far

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Diego Simeone's side have endured a slow start to the campaign so far, winning just two of their four league games while drawing 1-1 with Lazio in their own Champions League showdown on Tuesday.

Elsewhere in the Champions League, Bayern Munich beat Manchester United 4-3.

And Erik ten Hag has reacted to a mistake from Andre Onana during that match.

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