'I saw Bellingham's home debut for Real Madrid - he's already a Galactico'
It's almost impossible to stand out at Real Madrid.
Raul did, Cristiano Ronaldo did, Karim Benzema (eventually) did... and now Jude Bellingham can be added to that list. In a team full of Galacticos, there's no doubting Bellingham is Real's biggest.
The 20-year-old Brummie only arrived in the Spanish capital in June, making his home debut against Getafe on Saturday, but his new fans adore him. There were Bellingham shirts and scarfs everywhere, as the biggest pre-match cheer was reserved for him. It's staggering to think he was playing in the Championship just over three years ago.
Bellingham was forced to wait to make his home debut due to huge renovations at the Bernabeu. Although work is still going on, the grand old stadium is better than ever.
Bellingham is adored in Madrid (Mirror Online)
Dozens of children were after his shirt (Mirror Online)The sheer volume, created by a sea of white shirts and a thunderous public address system, was bottled in by the Bernabeu's new roof. It has to be seen, and heard, to be believed.
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Real's president Florentino Perez promised to create "the best stadium in the world". The fans certainly believe he's achieved that, desperately calling for his attention as he took his seat ahead of kick-off. They were satisfied when he nonchalantly waved back.
For a while, it seemed as if Bellingham's Madrid bow would end in disappointment. Getafe took a shock lead in the 11th minute when former Real striker Borja Mayoral benefitted from a mix-up between David Alaba and Fran Garcia. The La Fabrica graduate calmly went around Kepa Arrizabalaga before tucking the ball home to leave the redeveloped ground stunned.
Real struggled after that. Getafe did everything to slow the game down, and who could blame them? Nothing went the home side's way and their fans took out their frustration on referee Mario Melero Lopez.
His performance was fine, but that didn't matter. Supporters jeered as much as they cheered, waving their famous white handkerchiefs in disgust, and whistled to create a deafening sound. I was able to soak up the incredible atmosphere thanks to Sportsbreaks.com. Kids inside the Bernabeu were forced to put their hands over their ears. I was close to joining them.
The new Bernabeu is incredible (Mirror Online)
But it isn't finished just yet (Mirror Online)Do you think Jude Bellingham will become the best footballer on the planet? Let us know in the comments below!
Although Real weren't at their best, Bellingham was. The midfielder, who scored four goals in his first three LaLiga appearances for Real, battled for every ball and constantly whipped up the fans. The way he interacts with supporters is a sight to behold. No superstar soaks up their energy like he does. Bellingham doesn't just have the ability, he has the personality. No wonder they love him in Madrid.
It's something Carlo Ancelotti has noticed. "He's outstanding," said Real's manager last month. "He has plenty of personality and has adapted very quickly to the team's system. It seems like he's been with us for a long time, and he's a very talented player."
Bellingham almost got his team back on level terms after receiving possession and dancing into the box. A stepover followed before he went down and the referee pointed to the spot, but VAR confirmed it was a fair challenge. Queue the whistles.
Real got their equaliser just after the break when former Newcastle and Stoke striker Joselu pounced in the six-yard box. Toni Kroos was introduced at the interval and proved to be the game changer. He dictated the play and almost found a winner after smashing the post with a powerful low drive.
It was then Dani Carvajal's turn to hit the post before Bellingham took centre stage again. The Englishman came within inches of getting on the end of Alaba's cross from the left and was just as close when Federico Valverde delivered from the right.
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He was clearly desperate to score the winner... and got his wish in the 95th minute. Lucas Vazquez's strike was spilled by goalkeeper David Soria, allowing Bellingham to roll the loose ball into the net.
Bellingham grabbed his privates after scoring the winner (Getty Images)Cries of 'Juuuuuuuuuude' and 'Judy' followed, as Bellingham stood and took the adulation. He also rather crudely grabbed his privates and screamed 'vamos', letting everyone know he's the main man in Madrid now.
"It's the loudest moment I've heard in a stadium," said Bellingham. "Happily it was for my goal. When they were singing 'Hey Jude' at the end, I got goosebumps. I just wanted to stand still and listen to them. My legs were shaking. I know I was brought in for these kind of moments, they're the kind of moments I know I can deliver for this team."
Bellingham, brimming with arrogance, took a deserved lap of honour after the full-time whistle. I asked a local for his thoughts on Real's newest star. "The best," he simply replied.
After just four games, Bellingham has become Real's talisman... and one of their own.
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