Jude Bellingham produced an outstanding first touch in the lead up to Rodrygo’s goal against Manchester City.
Real Madrid drew 4-4 on aggregate with City in their Champions League quarter-final clash, with the tie ultimately settled on penalties as Real set up a semi-final clash with Bayern Munich. The second leg did get off to an excellent start for Carlo Ancelotti’s side as Rodrygo gave them the lead in the 12th minute.
The Brazilian forward slotted home a rebound after his initial effort was saved by Ederson, but many focused on Bellingham’s role in the goal as he plucked a long ball out of the sky with a sublime first touch.
“It’s the first rule of football, the first touch,” World Cup winner Fabio Cannavaro told Amazon Prime when discussing the goal. “He [Bellingham] showed great personality. First touch, dribble, and a fantastic goal.
“We had said before that City would struggle in these circumstances and with sudden passes. The whole Madrid attack was great. City were a bit unlucky after the first save and Madrid scored a key goal.”
Former City goalkeeper Shay Given also hailed Bellingham’s touch while commentating for BBC Radio 5 Live, saying: “I feel for Ederson as he makes a worldie save, but he had no chance on the rebound.
“Jude Bellingham drifted forward and he was the furthest Real Madrid player forward, he took a brilliant touch and then played it wide.” One fan, meanwhile, wrote on social media: “The touch from Bellingham. Very naughty”.
Other fans also weighed in on social media, with one writing: “That Jude Bellingham touch during the play of Rodrygo’s goal is absolutely insane. It will get overlooked, but that’s magic.”
“Could watch this on repeat all day,” added a second. A third wrote: “Sent Rodri to the shop”. A fourth added: “The first touch from Bellingham to make this goal is absolutely filthy.”
Kevin De Bruyne equalised for City in the 76th minute to force the tie into extra-time and penalties, with Antonio Rudiger ultimately scoring the winning spot kick for Real as they knocked out the defending champions.
