‘The English Zidane’ – Jude Bellingham embarrasses rivals with stunning skill before inspiring Real Madrid to late win
JUDE BELLINGHAM inspired Real Madrid to an incredible comeback win against Real Sociedad as Carlo Ancelotti’s men booked their place in the Copa del Rey final.
The Three Lions ace also embarrassed rivals with a stunning piece of skill as supporters hailed him as the “English Zidane.”
But Real almost came unstuck against a plucky Sociedad side determined to overcome their 1-0 defeat in the first leg of the semi-final clash.
The Bernabeu was filled to the brim as expectant fans saw Brazilian teen Endrick get a rare start at the expense of Kylian Mbappe.
But it was visitors Sociedad who got off to a flyer in the 16th minute thanks to Ander Barrenetxea.
Real were soon level on the night, and back ahead on aggregate, when Endrick made good on his start by netting on the half hour mark.
And it seemed Los Blancos were cruising into the final when Bellingham showed off an amazing piece of skill.
The midfielder demonstrated brilliant technique as he took down a high ball before dinking it over an opponent.
Fans were left amazed, with one saying: “The English Zidane.”
Another declared: “Stop that, Jude Bellingham.”
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One added: “Bellingham again, who else?”
However, disaster struck late on for Real.
David Alaba’s own goal in the 72nd minute made it 2-1 on the night to Sociedad, and 2-2 on aggregate.
But things got even worse eight minutes later when Mikel Oyarzabal fired home to give his side a 3-2 overall lead.
England star Bellingham refused to take things lying down though.
He quickly rallied the troops and raised morale by netting moments later.
The goal saw the match revert back to level terms.
And Real’s eagerness turned to jubilation in the 86th minute when Aurelien Tchouameni’s goal saw them go 3-3 on the night and 4-3 up on aggregate.
But there was even more late drama as Sociedad scorer Oyarzabal netted his second of the night in the third minute of injury time.
It made the score 4-4 on aggregate, taking the game to extra time.
Neither side looked likely to score a goal.
Yet with penalties just five minutes away, sub Antonio Rudiger powered in a dramatic goal as Real advanced to the final as 5-4 aggregate winners.
They will now play either Atletico Madrid or Barcelona for the Copa del Rey trophy.
Real’s rivals meet again in the semis on Wednesday after enjoying a spectacular 4-4 epic in the first leg.