Jude Bellingham finally broke his goal drought on Wednesday night, finding the net for the first time this season as Real Madrid edged past Juventus 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu.
The moment arrived just after half-time when Vinícius Júnior dazzled past four defenders before unleashing a shot that struck the post. The rebound fell perfectly for Bellingham, who couldn't miss from close range.
"It's a great feeling, a long time now since I've scored," Bellingham said afterwards. "To score a winner, here at home, it's unbelievable."
Real boss Xabi Alonso couldn't hide his delight with Bellingham's display after the game, saying: "Jude played a really complete game, over and above the goal.
"I really liked how he played against Getafe [on Sunday] and even more so today, plus his goal.
"He's giving such good sensations with how competitive he is and how he creates dangerous situations. I'm delighted for him.
"He's got the skill and the instincts to be at the business end of the pitch, but he's a box-to-box player, too. He's one of the most complete players in the world."
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois echoed those sentiments, adding: "Jude's getting back to his best, played a top match tonight."
Jude Bellingham finally broke his goal drought on Wednesday night, finding the net for the first time this season as Real Madrid edged past Juventus 1-0 at the Santiago Bernabéu
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Jude Bellingham reacted first inside the box to open his account for the season
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Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso described Jude Bellingham as 'one of the best players in the world'
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The England international's campaign has been anything but smooth sailing so far.
A persistent shoulder problem that's troubled him since 2023 required surgery during the summer, forcing him to miss Real's entire pre-season preparations.
He also sat out their first five matches of the new campaign and has managed just three starts since returning. Wednesday's appearance was only his second full 90 minutes in Europe this term.
It's been a stark contrast to his previous seasons in Spain. After netting 23 times in his debut year and adding 15 more last term, Bellingham had become essential to Real's success.
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But injuries have disrupted his rhythm completely. Before Wednesday's breakthrough, his last goal came during the Club World Cup back in the summer.
His injury problems left England boss Thomas Tuchel with a decision to make on whether to include him in his recent squad - one in which he opted against.
Thomas Tuchel opted to leave Jude Bellingham out of October's national team squad despite the Real Madrid star being fit
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Despite being declared fully fit, the English midfielder missed October's fixtures against Wales and Latvia.
Tuchel's explanation was cryptic at best. He praised the "team spirit" from September's matches when Bellingham was injured, suggesting he wanted to maintain squad stability.
Jude Bellingham has not featured for England since a 3-1 defeat against Senegal in June
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"The competition is on to be in the squad," Tuchel said during his press conference. "There is also the situation that he hasn't gathered his full rhythm for Real Madrid."
The snub came at a difficult time, personally, too. Reports emerged that Bellingham's parents, Mark and Denise, had ended their two-decade marriage after years of living in different countries while supporting their sons' careers.
Meanwhile, his younger brother, Jobe, has endured a tough start to life at Borussia Dortmund. The former Sunderland star has struggled for minutes, while dad Mark was barred from the dressing room after making his feelings clear to manager Niko Kovac.
With England's November fixtures against Serbia and Albania approaching, Bellingham will hope this goal marks a turning point. After months of frustration, it seems the midfielder might finally be ready to reclaim his spot in Tuchel's plans.