28 October 2023 , 17:38
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Carlo Ancelotti has described Jude Bellingham as Real Madrid’s “difference maker” after the midfielder netted a stunning double to down Barcelona in El Clasico.
Bellingham netted a stunning long-range effort to equalise for the visitors midway through the second half after Ilkay Gundogan had given the home side an early lead, before netting a dramatic last-minute winner – the midfield star’s third of the campaign, having also downed Getafe and Union Berlin with last-gasp strikes.
The England international – who now has a stunning 13 goals in 13 appearances for Los Blancos – netted an eye-catching effort from 30 yards that Barca goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen could not keep out despite getting his fingertips on the effort, that found the top corner. Bellingham then decided the game in the final minute with a close-range finish.
Bellingham has taken Real Madrid and La Liga by storm, with this crucial victory lifting Ancelotti’s side back to the top of the standings, above high-flying Girona, and four points clear of Barca. This was his most impressive, match-defining display yet.
"Bellingham is like a veteran," Ancelotti told reporters after the match. "He has a very good attitude. The equalising goal changed the dynamic of the game. It gave us more strength and more energy while it made Barca weaker because until that moment they had played better."
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The Madrid boss was then asked about the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony, amid questions over where his star man may rank: "Bellingham, at the moment, is the difference maker for us. In what position he will be in the Ballon d'Or, I don't know. I didn't know there was a Ballon d'Or taking place on Monday. I don't care much."
Ancelotti continued that while Bellingham’s goal scoring return has been stunning, his side’s forward players also need to start weighing in with more strikes: "Bellingham can score 20 or 25 goals, but we expect the goals from the strikers, Vinicius, Rodrygo..."
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Bellingham netted a stunning double to defeat Barcelona (Alex Caparros/Getty Images)Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez added after the encounter: "Bellingham is a great footballer. He has made a difference. Madrid has its footballers, its qualities. Effectiveness makes the difference. With the game we deserved much more." Xavi continued: "Bellingham seems like a great player to me, but he is in a state of grace, with faith. He makes the difference."