In a heart-pounding encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu, Real Madrid narrowly clinched a 1-0 victory over Champions League newcomers, Union Berlin. The match’s defining moment came in injury time, as Jude Bellingham etched his name into Real Madrid’s folklore with a crucial tap-in.
Bellingham’s strike marked his sixth goal in just six appearances for Los Blancos since his high-profile move this summer. It’s safe to say that the young English midfielder is quickly becoming Real Madrid’s go-to guy when they need that decisive touch.
The dramatic climax began when Federico Valverde’s 94th-minute strike took a fortuitous deflection, landing perfectly in Bellingham’s path. The net gaped open, and Bellingham coolly slotted the ball home. Union Berlin, in their maiden Champions League outing, had no response left in the dwindling seconds.
Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to deploy Bellingham in a more advanced number 10 role proved to be a masterstroke. The former Borussia Dortmund and Birmingham City standout once again shone brightly. He orchestrated Real Madrid’s attacks with finesse, helping them accumulate a staggering 22 shots compared to Union Berlin’s meager three.
What’s truly remarkable is that Bellingham has already notched three game-winning goals for Real Madrid within the final 10 minutes of matches. Without his timely interventions, Real Madrid would find themselves nine points poorer after just six games into the season.
While Real Madrid ultimately deserved the victory, Union Berlin’s spirited performance nearly scripted a fairytale ending. The visitors had their share of challenges, but they stood tall against a team boasting 14 Champions League titles.
The match kicked off with Real Madrid on the front foot, as Joselu narrowly missed connecting with Bellingham’s teasing cross. However, Ancelotti’s side struggled to maintain their early momentum, although Union Berlin couldn’t capitalize on the few opportunities that came their way.
The second half witnessed a resurgent Real Madrid. Lucas Vazquez’s pinpoint cross found Rodrygo, whose acrobatic effort rattled the outside of the post in the 51st minute. Nine minutes later, Union’s keeper, Frederik Ronnow, demonstrated remarkable reflexes to tip Joselu’s header onto the woodwork.
Ronnow continued to be a thorn in Real Madrid’s side, denying Rodrygo and Luka Modric with a string of exceptional saves. In the dying moments, Joselu’s late volley whistled just wide, leaving the Bernabeu crowd breathless.
However, it was the final minute of injury time that will forever be etched in Real Madrid’s memory. Union Berlin’s defense faltered when faced with a short corner, and Valverde’s hopeful shot took a fortunate bounce, falling to the feet of none other than Jude Bellingham, who calmly slotted the ball home from two yards out.
Union Berlin, a club that was playing in Germany’s second tier just five years ago, will look to bounce back when they host Sporting Braga in their next Champions League Group C clash in 13 days’ time. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s journey continues with an exciting encounter against Napoli on the same day.
Match Stats:
- Possession: Real Madrid 75%, Union Berlin 25%
- Shots: Real Madrid 32, Union Berlin 4
- Shots on Target: Real Madrid 7, Union Berlin 0
- Corners: Real Madrid 16, Union Berlin 1
- Fouls: Real Madrid 8, Union Berlin 11
In the world of football, moments like Bellingham’s late strike are what make the sport truly magical. As Real Madrid fans celebrate this narrow victory, Union Berlin can hold their heads high, knowing they put up a valiant fight against the giants of European football.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Late-goal victory
Q: Who scored the winning goal for Real Madrid in the match against Union Berlin?
A: Jude Bellingham was the hero for Real Madrid, scoring the crucial winning goal in injury time.
Q: How many goals has Jude Bellingham scored for Real Madrid since joining them?
A: Jude Bellingham has netted six goals in just six matches for Real Madrid since his summer transfer.
Q: Did Union Berlin put up a strong fight against Real Madrid?
A: Yes, Union Berlin showcased a spirited performance and came very close to securing a draw against the 14-time Champions League winners, Real Madrid.
Q: How many shots did Real Madrid take during the match?
A: Real Madrid recorded an impressive 32 shots during the game, highlighting their attacking prowess.
Q: What’s the next match for Union Berlin in the Champions League?
A: Union Berlin’s next Champions League Group C match is against Sporting Braga in 13 days’ time.
Q: Who is Real Madrid’s next opponent in the Champions League?
A: Real Madrid’s next fixture in the Champions League will be against Napoli.
More about Late-goal victory
- Real Madrid official website
- Union Berlin official website
- Champions League official website
- Jude Bellingham profile on Transfermarkt
- Sporting Braga official website
- Napoli official website
