REAL MADRID
Bellingham at the Clásico double: Real Madrid appear Judependent
Los Blancos fought back for the win in Barcelona thanks to goals from their new English star, proving yet again that his goals are needed on the road.
Real Madrid continues in its commitment to scoring goals this season. Carlo Ancelotti’s team has found the net in all 14 official matches they have played, comprising eleven in LaLiga and three in the Champions League. The current table-toppers have even managed to score in their two setbacks: the defeat in the derby against Atlético and last week’s draw against Sevilla.
However, these two disappointments share a common factor: Bellingham did not show up for either of them. Madrid struggled in the two away games in which the Englishman, who has been by far the best performer in this season, early though it may be, did not add his name to the list of goalscorers. The nuance of this in last Saturday’s game was significant, as he did put the ball into the net in Seville, but the play was controversially invalidated from the beginning, and the goal chalked off.
The Bellingham effect on the road
Out of the 14 matches that Real Madrid has played, nine have been away games. Bellingham has scored in five of them, resulting in seven victories. Of the 18 goals that Los Blancos have scored as visitors, nine have had the Englishman’s signature on them. Seven of these were pivotal. The two goals in Almería turned the score around, the one he netted against Celta secured the victory at Balaídos (0-1), and his strike against Napoli proved crucial for the win at the Maradona stadium. Then came the winner in Braga and the late brace to complete a Clásico comeback. It’s fairytale stuff.
His goals at San Mamés against Athletic and in Girona (where he also assisted Joselu in opening the scoring at Montilivi) may have only added a gloss to the scoreboard, but they acted as catalysts. The overall impact is resounding: seven additional points in the league and two Champions League victories, all thanks to his contribution in the area during those matches.
Hey, Jude’s also important in Madrid
Bellingham’s contribution has also been outstanding at the Bernabéu, where the team has a perfect record of victories: four in LaLiga and one in the Champions League against Union Berlin (a 93rd minute winner adding to fan adoration). In this venue, he has been responsible for earning four points in LaLiga and securing that triumph in Europe, all in front of the supporters who now chant ‘Hey, Jude!’ in his honour.
A difference seen has been that when the English star did not score at home, his teammates managed to carry the team forward, both against Real Sociedad and Las Palmas. Conversely, away from the Bernabéu, Kroos’ goal at the Metropolitano had little impact, and Carvajal’s goal in Seville only managed to salvage a point.
Bellingham’s remarkable goal-per-game average took a slight dip at the Pizjuán, however, his numbers were still mightily impressive, with 10 goals in 11 matches, resulting in an average of 0.91 goals per game. And that was quickly sorted out with the three goals across the games in Portugal and Catalonia: 13 in 13 has the sensational scoring rhythm back in full swing.
When Bellingham scores away from home, a victory seems guaranteed. How long will it continue?