Real Madrid's Bellingham snatches late winner at home to Getafe

MADRID: Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham again proved the match-winner as he struck in added time to snatch a 2-1 victory over Getafe as the Spanish giants made their home debut in LaLiga this season at their refurbished Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

The England midfielder, who has quickly became a talisman and fan favourite, got his fifth goal in his first four games after joining Real for 103 million euros (US$110.96 million) plus 30 million in add-ons from Borussia Dortmund.

Real are top on a maximum 12 points from four games, five ahead of Atletico Madrid, Girona and Barcelona, who have yet to play this weekend, and Cadiz who beat Villarreal 3-1 on Friday (Sep 1).

Borja Mayoral had opened the scoring for Getafe in the 11th minute after a mistake by defender Fran Garcia.

"It was a difficult match and it was even more difficult because we conceded a goal early. This doesn't change my thoughts about Fran Garcia, maybe he paid the price for the fascination with the stadium," said Real coach Carlo Ancelotti.

"The second half was different, we had chances and in the end I think we deserved to win with a goal from Bellingham who is used to winning."

Real may have got all three points in the end but Getafe goalkeeper David Soria preserved the visitors' lead through to halftime with a string of stunning saves

First he launched himself outside the box to clear with his shoulder and then made a brilliant one-handed save from Luka Modric's close-range header before a reflex stop with his left foot to keep out Joselu's point-blank strike.

Real's players complained about several refereeing decisions in the first half, including a potential penalty that was given as a foul on Bellingham but then not awarded after the referee went to the VAR