Debutant Jude Bellingham inspires Real Madrid to victory at Athletic Club

Real Madrid stormed to a winning return to La Liga action with a season opening 2-0 victory away at Athletic Club.

Los Blancos stretched their impressive unbeaten run over the Basque side, which streaks back to 2015, as they picked up a fifth successive win away in Bilbao.

Victory in a testing environment will be a major boost for Carlo Ancelotti’s team but the story of the night was firmly focused on Jude Bellingham’s debut.

Iconic 📸

Jude Bellingham has the confidence to match his ability 👏 pic.twitter.com/J4DGn7yyyJ

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) August 12, 2023

Brazilian star Rodrygo Goes poked the visitors ahead before the break, but Bellingham quickly took centre stage, as the summer signing capped his first competitive start with Los Blancos second goal of the night.

Real Madrid open up their account for the new LALIGA season! ⚪

Rodrygo’s effort beats Unai Simon at the near post 👀 pic.twitter.com/s0hJP53ORp

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) August 12, 2023

Jude Bellingham has ARRIVED at Real Madrid! 😤

The debutant gets his goal and celebrates in style 🙌 pic.twitter.com/1zuDcATb9j

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) August 12, 2023

A 2-0 half time advantage put Real Madrid in cruise control after the restart as the away side eased over the line to victory at the Estadio San Mames.

Jude Bellingham is marauding around the San Mamés pitch like he’s been a Real Madrid player all his life 🤯

An impressive debut from the 20-year-old 👏 pic.twitter.com/o4mqPJ7VaW

— Viaplay Sports UK (@ViaplaySportsUK) August 12, 2023

Eder Militao’s injury was the one real negative for Ancelotti in the second period with the defender forced off after 50 minutes.

Images via Getty Images