Jude Bellingham has continued to etch his name in Real Madrid history books after the Englishman scored in the 3-0 win over Girona to equal Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal-scoring feat at the Spanish side.
Los Blancos put three unanswered goals past the Catalan outfit in the La Liga affair, with Bellingham on the scoresheet in the 71st minute of the contest.
The midfielder’s goal made it six in his first seven league appearances for Los Blancos, which is the same that Cristiano Ronaldo managed in his debut campaign for the club in 2009-10.
No Real Madrid player has had a better scoring start to their career at the club in the 21st century, with the 20-year-old moving level with the club legend.
Ruud van Nistelrooy netted four times in his first seven league appearances, while the likes of Ronaldo Delima, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema only managed three in their first seven.
Bellingham has also netted once in the Champions League this season, with the youngster managing seven in all competitions since arriving from Borussia Dortmund over the summer.
Joselu made the breakthrough against Girona before Aurelien Tchouameni doubled the away side’s advantage, with Bellingham then scoring a third in the second period.
“It was a very complete night. Winning here means that we did well and I’d like to highlight our defensive work, which was very good. We had the chance to create problems with the ball and defending well was decisive because Girona play good football,” Ancelotti told reporters after the match.
“We put Bellingham on the outside to avoid Vinicius [Junior] having too many defensive duties, bearing in mind that Tchouameni was in the centre to provide cover. The team’s defensive work was good.”
Meanwhile, Bellingham added: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet.
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham is believed to have been wanted by Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City during the summer transfer window, but he made it clear that he only wanted to move to Real Madrid.
The midfielder is now currently preparing to travel with the Los Blancos squad to Italy for their second match in the group stage of the 2023-24 Champions League against Napoli.
