Jude Bellingham wins ‘Battle of the Brits’ in enthralling Champions League closing
It was only ever going to be branded as Jude Bellingham vs Jadon Sancho.
The Real Madrid superstar, who, with a rocket strapped to his back, is destined for footballing immortality against the Manchester United flop looking to rebuild his career thousands of miles from home. However, for one night only, Sancho was back home.
Born and raised in Kennington, the boy from London has refound his feet after stumbling at the Red Devils. Borussia Dortmund were the underdogs on Saturday, after all, this has always been Real’s competition.
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And yet Dortmund were fearless – they played like a team with nothing to lose, and everything to gain. Real, on the other hand, were not at the races, they were chasing shadows from the first minute.
Karim Adeyemi had the first big chance, rounding Thibaut Courtois, but the angle was just too tight. Niclas Fullkrug was next up, and the big German missed two gilt-edged chances.
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(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Edin Terzić would have been the happier of the two managers at half-time.
But the Champions League is, and always has been, Real’s playground. They started slow, but as the game ebbed beyond the hour mark and Dortmund were yet to make them pay – a Real goal seemed inevitable.
And it came through an unlikely source. Toni Kroos, in his final Real game, whipped in a corner that was met by Dani Carvajal – sending Real into raptures.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Real were now in control, Camavinga came close with an ambitious strike but it was the man for the big occasion that doubled their lead.
Bellingham intercepted a wayward pass from Ian Maatsen, slotting the ball into the path of Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian lifted the ball over Gregor Kobel, all-but confirming the trophy for Real.
It wasn’t a vintage display from Madrid, it was a performance football fans have grown used to from the European champions – one where they win.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Bellingham has now completed his dream opening season in Spain, wrapping up the La Liga title as well as the Champions League.
The Englishman will now turn his eyes to the Euros and ending England’s years of hurt.
