Almeria 1-3 Real Madrid: Jude Bellingham scores brace and provides assist as England midfielder continues impressive start to life in Spain

Jude Bellingham recorded three goals and one assist in his first two appearances for his new club as Real Madrid beat Almeria 3-1. The English man became the first player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009 to score in both of his first two appearances for the club.

His first goal came on 19 minutes when Fede Valverde headed a Dani Carvajal cross under the header and he controlled it in a busy area and jabbed it into the corner. The celebration was muted with some doubt as to whether he had been offside, but VAR confirmed his position and Madrid were level after just three minutes.

That opening goal came from Sergio Arribas, a former Real Madrid player. The youth squad player who scored 21 goals for Madrid’s B-squad last season scored with a header from a Robertone cross after coming forward faster than Toni Kroos could run back.

Kroos was on Eduardo Camavinga’s team and the Frenchman came into the second half with his thigh heavily strapped. It was Kroos who thought he had put Madrid ahead, but his well-taken goal was disallowed for offside after Carvajal was ruled to have fouled Sergio Akieme in the run-up.

Madrid eventually took the lead in the second half as Kroos crossed and Bellingham headed past Luis Maximiano, taking advantage of the way the keeper had started with no real chance of getting to the ball.

Vinicius Junior also managed to get on the scoresheet in Real Madrid’s victory

Bellingham showed excellent composure in front of goal as Real took all three points

Vinicius got the third for Real Madrid. There is a different role for him this season, with the attacking full-backs providing width and his job of being more of a central striker. From Bellingham’s assist, he floated the ball to the back post and sent it past the debuting Almeria keeper.

Brahim Diaz and Joselu came on late as Bellingham came off and they almost combined for the fourth goal, but Diaz was unable to single out the former Spanish striker.

Madrid ended up being the comfortable winner and their start to the season was impressive. They manage without the injured Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois. Kepa waited on the bench while Lunin kept goal. The goalkeeper hired by Chelsea will make his debut with Real Madrid against Celta Vigo this Friday.

At the front they also miss Karim Benzema, sold in the summer. But thanks to Bellingham, no one has noticed until now.

Almeria players celebrate after Sergio Arribas gave them an early lead against Real Madrid

Kepa, hired from Chelsea, was on the bench and will make his debut against Celta Vigo