Jude Bellingham enjoys a winning start to life at Real Madrid as the Spanish giants battle back from two goals down to beat AC Milan 3-2 in California

Real Madrid fought back from two goals down to beat AC Milan 3-2 in their first pre-season friendly, giving Jude Bellingham the perfect start to his career with the Spanish giants.

Bellingham arrived in Madrid last month for a British record £113 million but has to wait to make his debut for the club.

He was thrown straight into the starting line-up for Sunday night’s game in Pasadena, California, where he stood alongside Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga as the most advanced player in a four-man midfield.

But it was Milan that enjoyed the better of the first half with Fikayo Tomori giving them the lead in the 25th minute, getting at the end of Christian Pulisic’s cross before Luka Romero doubled their lead three minutes before the break.

Carlo Ancelotti made several changes to his side during the break, but kept Bellingham on as Madrid looked for a way back into the game.

Bellingham had some fine moments and touched the ball regularly on his Madrid debut

Fikayo Tomori (right) put Milan ahead and they led 2-0 at the California break

It was Bellingham’s fellow midfielder Valverde who inspired the comeback, with the Uruguayan scoring twice in as many minutes just before the hour mark to level his side.

The score was tied at 2–2 as Bellingham was replaced in the 63rd minute by Nico Paz after showing a glimpse of the talent that is likely to make him a star at the Bernabeu.

It was left to Vinicius Jnr to complete the turnaround, as the Brazilian winger found the net six minutes from time to put Madrid ahead for the first time in the match.

After the match, Ancelotti praised Bellingham for his performance in his first outing.

Bellingham played very well and the team has to get used to his quality, which is incredible. His arrival in the penalty area is hugely important for the team,” he said.

“He’s a fantastic player, very important for us because he’s a complete midfielder and he brings real pace and intensity to the game.

Fede Valverde (right) scored twice in as many minutes to put Madrid back on level ground

Vinicius Jnr completed the comeback as Madrid picked up a win in their first pre-season appearance

“He moves extremely well off the ball and he’s different from the other midfielders we have. He makes optimal use of the free space and adds an extra dimension to this team, which is fantastic.’

Real Madrid will play two more games next week when they play Manchester United and Barcelona in Texas.

They will then fly to Florida for the final game of their US tour against Juventus on August 3, before returning to Spain to prepare for the new LaLiga season.

Their first game of the new season at Athletic Bilbao as they try to win back the title from Barcelona.