Bellingham strikes again to earn Madrid derby win under stadium roof
MADRID: Jude Bellingham rescued Real Madrid with a 95th minute strike to secure a 2-1 win over Getafe on Saturday and maintain Los Blancos’ perfect start to La Liga, as they played with a closed roof at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first time. The England international netted his fifth goal in four games to snatch three points from the derby clash, Madrid’s first game without injured forward Vinicius Junior. Joselu, the Brazilian’s replacement, had pulled Carlo Ancelotti’s side level after former Madrid striker Borja Mayoral sent the visitors ahead in the first match under a roof at Madrid’s remodelled stadium. La Liga leaders Madrid started the season with their opening three games all away from home, while construction work continued. It allowed for the retractable roof to be finished and it was closed on Saturday, with rain hitting the Spanish capital — but not the players. “I think we were just winners, we did well in attack and made a lot of chances,” said Joselu. “Getafe make it difficult for you but the Bernabeu pushed us on — these fans are incredible and Madrid never give up.” Getafe did not include on loan Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood in their squad, after his arrival on Friday. The forward had been suspended by the Red Devils since January 2022 after facing allegations of abuse although prosecutors subsequently dropped the charges. Mayoral started up front for the visitors and, looking to keep his place in the side, he quickly pounced to put the visitors ahead. The striker capitalized on a heavy Fran Garcia backwards pass, nipping in to pick up the ball, round Kepa Arrizabalaga and slot home after 11 minutes. Madrid thought Bellingham had won a penalty when he tumbled under pressure from Carles
