Jude Bellingham closing in on history after Real Madrid end Man City's Champions League dream

Jude Bellingham closing in on history after Real Madrid end Man City's Champions League dream

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Real Madrid beat Man City

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 18/04/2024

- 11:17

Updated: 18/04/2024

- 11:54

The 20-year-old was sublime during Wednesday night's fixture at the Etihad Stadium

When it comes to winning the Champions League with Real Madrid, only one English player has ever managed that feat.

That was Steve McManaman, with the midfielder lifting the trophy twice during his time at the Bernabeu - first in 2001, and then again two years later.


Over the years, Real have signed other English players. David Beckham, Jonathan Woodgate and Michael Owen all touched down in the 200s - but none of the trio could deliver European glory.

Fast-forward to now, however, and Bellingham is on the verge of doing exactly that.

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid

Jude Bellingham is close to making history with Real Madrid after their Champions League win over Man City

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The 20-year-old didn't score or assist on Wednesday night as Real beat Manchester City on penalties to make the Champions League semi-finals.

Yet his overall performance was magnificent, with Bellingham making his mark on the big stage when it mattered most.

While there was no assist, he did play a key role in Rodrygo's opener at the Etihad.

The youngster plucked the ball from the sky, controlling it superbly, before spinning away from his man and passing to Federico Valverde.

The Uruguay international then passed to Vinicius Jr, with the Brazil international assisting compatriot Rodyrgo - who beat Ederson at the second attempt.

Amid the heat of the battle, Bellingham continued to shine.

And when it went to penalties, nobody was cooler than the 20-year-old.

Bellingham stepped up knowing that, if he missed, scrutiny would fall on his shoulders. At a club like Real, that's part and parcel of things.

But the England international showed no signs of nerves, coolly dispatching his effort into the bottom corner and sending Ederson the wrong way.

City had, prior to kick off, been the favourites to go through.

Yet it's Bellingham, and Real, who will now face Bayern Munich in the semi-finals of the competition later this month.

Thomas Tuchel's side made the last four following a 1-0 win over Arsenal at the Allianz Arena, with Joshua Kimmich scoring the only goal of the game.

Few will bet against Real, however, given their stunning record in the competition.

As for Bellingham, the former Birmingham and Borussia Dortmund star was delighted after his side's win - dubbing the result 'beautiful'.

"It's relief. You put so much into the game," he told TNT Sports.

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Jude Bellingham Real Madrid Man City

Jude Bellingham celebrates his penalty in Real Madrid's Champions League win over Man City

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"I've played against City before and they snatch it away from you. I was pretty much dead on my feet at the end.

"It's so difficult. They are continuously probing with the ball and move you around. Most teams would fall apart when City get on top of you but we stood up really well.

"I could never dream of how it started [his time at Real], just the feeling you get playing for the club - getting to put the badge on your chest. Long may it continue. Hopefully more nights like this.

"Our biggest strength is he [Carlo Ancelotti] finds a way to let a lot of boys play with freedom. We're so off the cuff.

"As a man he fills you with calmness and confidence. I caught him yawning and he said to go out and excite him.

Jude Bellingham Real Madrid Man City

Jude Bellingham kept his cool during the chaotic Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Man City

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"You have to see it as a responsibility not a pressure if you want to play for a team like Real Madrid.

"Today it came down to mentality.

"It's beautiful. My brother is here today, the first time he's seen me play for Madrid."

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