Can Bellingham’s Return Revive Real Madrid’s Season?

The fact that Jude Bellingham is back on the scoring sheet could not have come at a better time for Real Madrid. The poacher instinct of the English midfielder, who suffered months on the sidelines after being injured in the shoulder, proved true as the player scored a 1-0win  over Juventus in the UEFA Champions League. Its purpose came after the flashing of Vinicius Jr on the solo attempt and the close run out of the post courtesy of a ball, and is indicative of the strength and depth of Madrid at a time when it is on the brink of the season.

To Bellingham, it was not a goal but a declaration. He had been out since June, and there was some doubt as to his match sharpness. However, his consciousness and restraint in the box meant that the 21-year-old is prepared to reassert himself in his key position under Xabi Alonso. This performance is encouraging to the Madrid fans as El Clásico nears.

Although Kylian Mbappe’s streak of 11 games with a goal ended, his off-ball movement provided the necessary space for colleagues. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois had been bringing about heroics at the other end, which reminded everyone of why he was considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world and made his 300th appearance even more memorable.

The ability of Real Madrid to control possession and tactical maturity made sure that Juventus’ counterattacks were little threatened. The Italian side’s defensive set-up is more to the credit of that. They survived until the last minute thanks to Michele Di Gregorio’s incredible saves.

With Madrid leading Group F by nine points, Alonso’s strategic choices during the last minutes of the game are commendable for his foresight. As the El Clasico approaches, fans and pundits will ask the question: Has the Bellingham comeback provided Spain with a second spark of their championship?