Jude Bellingham scored a late winner to earn Real Madrid a 1-0 victory over Union Berlin in their opening match of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League group stage at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium on Tuesday.
The English midfielder came off the bench to score in the 90th minute, with a powerful strike from outside the box.
Real Madrid dominated possession for most of the match, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Union Berlin defended resolutely and made it difficult for the hosts to break them down.
However, Bellingham finally got his breakthrough in the 90th minute with a fine individual goal. The midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner of the net.
Real Madrid held on for the victory in the end, and they will be happy with their start to the Champions League campaign.
Match summary:
Venue:
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Date: September 20, 2023
Time: 8:00 PM CET
Lineups:
Real Madrid:
Kepa, Vazquez, Rudiger, Nacho, Alaba, Camavinga, Modric, Tchouameni, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Joselu.
Union Berlin:
Rønnow; Ronnow, Doekhi, Leite, Knoche, Juranovic, Laiduni, Aaronson, Kral, Gosens, Fofana, Behrens
Match report:
Real Madrid dominated possession for most of the match, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances. Union Berlin defended resolutely and made it difficult for the hosts to break them down.
Real Madrid’s best chance of the first half came in the 30th minute when Joselu headed against the crossbar from close range.
Union Berlin had a few chances of their own on the counter-attack, but they were unable to find the back of the net.
Real Madrid continued to press in the second half, and they brought on Jude Bellingham in the 60th minute in an attempt to find a breakthrough.
Joselu had a few chances of his own, but he was unable to find the net. However, he finally got his breakthrough in the 90th minute with a fine individual goal. The midfielder picked up the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner of the net.
Real Madrid held on for the victory in the end, and they will be happy with their start to the Champions League campaign.
