Football

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior emerged as the hero on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick to propel the Spanish giants to a resounding 4-0 victory over Osasuna in La Liga. The triumph at the Santiago Bernabeu provided a much-needed confidence boost for Carlo Ancelotti's side, which had suffered consecutive home defeats in the league and Champions League.Despite the absence of injured stars Kylian Mbappe, Eder Militao, and Rodrygo, Madrid dominated the match from the outset. Vinicius opened the scoring in the 34th minute, finishing off a pass from Jude Bellingham. Bellingham, who had been instrumental in Madrid's success last season, added to the lead with a fine lob just before halftime.Vinicius continued his impressive form in the second half, completing his hat-trick with two more goals. The first came after a long ball from goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, while the second was set up by Brahim Diaz.Mbappe, who has struggled to find the net in recent matches, was unable to add to his tally despite playing in his preferred position on the left flank. However, Madrid's clean sheet helped end a run of nine goals conceded in three consecutive home matches.The victory moved Madrid to within six points of league leaders Barcelona, who face Real Sociedad on Sunday. "We won by a margin, we had a complete game in terms of work and effort," said Madrid attacker Brahim Diaz. "Madrid always have to win and we'd suffered two consecutive defeats... The fans deserved a victory, we can still give more, we are an incredible team."

Jude Bellingham's second season at Real Madrid has been a tale of contrasts. After a stellar debut campaign marked by goals and glory, the England international has faced challenges in his sophomore year.Bellingham's first season in Madrid was a whirlwind. Thrust into the attack after Karim Benzema's departure, he scored 10 goals in his first 10 games. His performances earned him the admiration of fans and critics alike.However, this season has been different. Bellingham has been tasked with more defensive responsibility, a role that has limited his attacking output. He has yet to score in nine games across all competitions.Bellingham's frustration was evident during Madrid's recent win over Celta Vigo. He appeared furious with Vinicius Junior for not passing him the ball when he was well-placed to score.Manager Carlo Ancelotti defended Bellingham, saying that his reaction showed "balls and character." However, he acknowledged that Bellingham's role has changed and that he should be appreciated for his contributions to the team.Bellingham's struggles have coincided with Madrid's inconsistent form. The team has struggled to find the right balance in midfield, with Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo Goes all vying for attacking roles.Despite his challenges, Bellingham remains a key player for Madrid. His work rate, passing ability, and defensive awareness make him a valuable asset to the team.As Madrid prepares for crucial matches against Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona, Bellingham will be determined to make a significant contribution. Whether he scores or not, his presence on the pitch will be vital for the team's success.

Real Madrid's impressive unbeaten streak came to an abrupt end with a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Lille in the Champions League. Coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the team's subpar performance and welcomed the criticism that followed.Ancelotti admitted, "The criticism we've received for today's game is fair and accurate. We must accept it. We played poorly." Jonathan David's penalty just before halftime sealed Lille's well-deserved victory.This defeat marked Real Madrid's first loss in 37 games across all competitions since January and their first in the Champions League since May 2023. Ancelotti, who led the team to victory in last season's final, acknowledged, "This hasn't happened to us much lately. Our opponents outplayed us and deserved to win."Despite having chances towards the end, Ancelotti recognized that a draw would have been undeserved. "We need to learn from this. There are areas we need to improve."Ancelotti dismissed concerns about the potential consequences of the defeat in the new Champions League format, which features 36 teams in a single pool. "The disappointment stems from the team's performance. You can lose games, but the way we played was not acceptable," he said.Real Madrid had previously defeated VfB Stuttgart 3-1 in their opening game but now joins Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Atletico Madrid in losing one of their first two matches. The top eight teams after eight games will advance directly to the last 16, while the remaining spots will be determined through play-offs.Jude Bellingham, a Ballon d'Or candidate, had a disappointing performance for Real Madrid. Ancelotti noted, "He's playing in the same position as last season but without the same success. It wasn't a good night. We need to improve."In contrast, Lille coach Bruno Genesio expressed his delight at overseeing one of the club's most significant European victories. "It's a fantastic performance from everyone and a wonderful reward for the club and our fans," Genesio said. "This shows what we're capable of, but we need to build on it."Genesio added, "It demonstrates that we can challenge the best teams in Europe over 90 minutes," acknowledging that Lille's next matches will be away to Atletico and at home to Juventus.

Kylian Mbappé's childhood dream of playing for Real Madrid is set to become a reality in the 2024-2025 season. The French superstar has signed a lucrative deal with the La Liga giants, ending his bitter-sweet stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).Mbappé's unwavering belief in his destiny at Real Madrid led him to take Spanish classes at school. His grand unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu last week was a testament to the unwavering support of the Real Madrid faithful.Donning the iconic No.9 jersey, previously worn by his idol Cristiano Ronaldo and club legend Karim Benzema, Mbappé is already making waves before his official debut. His jersey has become a hot commodity, outselling that of England's Jude Bellingham by a staggering five times.Mbappé's jersey sales have exceeded all expectations, with fans facing lengthy waiting times to secure their own. The Madrid club is struggling to meet the overwhelming demand for the French captain's jersey.Mbappé's arrival at Real Madrid has created a formidable attacking trio alongside Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham. The 25-year-old is expected to make his debut in the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta on August 15.Mbappé's move to Real Madrid is a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. His unwavering belief in his abilities and his determination to achieve his dreams have made him one of the most sought-after players in world football.

Kylian Mbappe's arrival at Real Madrid marks a significant moment in the club's history, signaling the potential for a third era of "Galacticos." The term, coined by Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, refers to the club's strategy of acquiring the world's most talented players.Perez's first Galactico signing was Luis Figo in 2000, a move that sparked controversy as Figo had previously played for archrival Barcelona. Subsequent Galacticos included Zinedine Zidane, David Beckham, Ronaldo, Kaka, and Cristiano Ronaldo.However, the financial landscape of European football has shifted since the early 2000s. English clubs have become increasingly dominant due to lucrative media rights deals. As a result, Real Madrid's spending has declined in recent years.Despite this, the club's history and aura remain unmatched. Real Madrid has won the Champions League more times than any other club and has consistently been among the world's top revenue generators.Mbappe and Bellingham, both 25 and 23 years old respectively, represent the future of Real Madrid. Their arrival has the potential to ignite a new era of success for the club.

Jude Bellingham, the prodigious English midfielder, has escaped an immediate suspension after making an offensive gesture during England's thrilling victory over Slovakia in the UEFA Euro 2020.UEFA imposed a one-game ban on Bellingham, but it is "not immediately enforced and is subject to a probationary period" of one year. The 18-year-old will be available for England's crucial clash against Switzerland on Saturday, which will determine their fate in the tournament.Bellingham's gesture, which appeared to be directed towards his crotch, occurred after he scored a stunning overhead kick to level the score in the dying minutes of the match. England went on to win 2-1 in extra time, with Bellingham's goal proving to be a pivotal moment.The incident sparked controversy, with some accusing Bellingham of making an inappropriate gesture. However, the midfielder has denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was an "inside joke" with friends who were present at the game.UEFA has also fined England a total of €11,000 ($11,900) for crowd disturbances and the "lighting of fireworks" during the Slovakia match.Bellingham's gesture has raised questions about the standards of conduct expected of professional footballers. UEFA's decision to impose a suspended ban suggests that they believe Bellingham's actions were inappropriate but not severe enough to warrant an immediate suspension.The incident has also highlighted the challenges faced by young players in the spotlight. Bellingham is one of the most promising talents in world football, but he is still learning the ropes of professional conduct.Despite the controversy, Bellingham remains a key player for England. His performance against Slovakia was a testament to his talent and determination. If he can maintain his focus and avoid further incidents, he has the potential to become one of the best midfielders in the world.

England kicked off their Euro 2024 campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serbia on Sunday, thanks to a first-half header from Jude Bellingham.The Real Madrid star put Gareth Southgate's team ahead in the 13th minute at the Veltins Arena, stooping to meet Bukayo Saka's cross and guiding it past Serbia goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic.The buildup to the game had been overshadowed by concerns about violence between rival supporters, and those fears were realized when police rushed to separate brawling fans in Gelsenkirchen earlier in the day. Social media footage showed men throwing chairs at each other outside a restaurant festooned with Serbian flags in the city.Once the game got underway, however, England fans were soon celebrating after Bellingham's early goal."It's a great start for me personally to get my confidence up and to help the lads get the win is the most important thing," Bellingham said.Harry Kane so nearly extended the lead in the second half when Rajkovic pushed his far post header onto the underside of the bar. Kane set a record for his country by making his 23rd appearance at a major tournament."It's a tough game. They are a tough team and have good players," the England captain said. "We stood up to it well and it is good to get the three points and (for us) to progress. It's good that we got the win today."Victory sent England to the top of Group C after Denmark drew 1-1 with Slovenia in an earlier game, with Christian Eriksen scoring three years after suffering a cardiac arrest on the field at the last Euros. England plays Denmark in Frankfurt on Thursday.England was a beaten finalist at the last Euros, losing on penalties to Italy in the final three years ago. It is one of the favorites this time around. Serbia is playing in the Euros for the first time since 2000.

Jude Bellingham, the 20-year-old midfield maestro, showcased his exceptional talent in England's 1-0 victory over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener. Having been hailed as the key to England's title aspirations, Bellingham delivered a masterful performance, capped by the winning goal.Bellingham's rise to prominence has been meteoric. From his breakout at Birmingham at just 16 to his Player of the Year award in La Liga with Real Madrid, he has consistently exceeded expectations. His versatility and impact on the pitch are remarkable.In the Group C opener against Serbia, Bellingham's influence was evident from the outset. He initiated the move that led to his goal, demonstrating his vision and passing ability. His diving header from Bukayo Saka's cross was a testament to his aerial prowess and attacking instincts.Bellingham's leadership qualities were also on display. Despite his young age, he is a key figure in Gareth Southgate's squad and was part of the four-man leadership group. His fearless attitude and refusal to be intimidated were evident in his confrontations with Serbian players.With 56 touches in the first half, Bellingham was the driving force behind England's dominance. His relentless energy and intelligent movement kept Serbia at bay throughout the match. His substitution in the closing stages was met with a standing ovation, a fitting tribute to his outstanding performance.Bellingham's goal was not only the first for England in Euro 2024 but also a historic milestone. He became the first European player to feature in three major tournaments before turning 21 and the second Englishman after Michael Owen to score at both the World Cup and European Championship before that age.As England embark on their quest for a first major trophy in 58 years, Bellingham's role is crucial. His exceptional talent, leadership qualities, and unwavering determination make him a key asset for the Three Lions. If England are to lift the trophy in Berlin on July 14, Bellingham will undoubtedly play a pivotal role.

England, a perennial favorite in international football, embarks on its quest for a maiden European Championship title on Sunday when it faces Serbia in Group C. The Three Lions, who reached the semifinals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020, are eager to end their long wait for a major trophy.Gareth Southgate's team boasts a formidable record in the European Championship, having lost only one of its last 18 games excluding penalty shootouts. However, concerns linger over potential fan violence, with the match deemed "high risk" by police. Beer sales at the stadium will be limited to low-alcohol options.England's hopes rest heavily on the shoulders of Jude Bellingham, who has enjoyed a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. The 19-year-old midfielder has already won the Spanish title and Champions League, showcasing his immense talent.Serbia, on the other hand, will be led by striker Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has been in prolific form for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia. The 28-year-old scored 28 goals in all competitions last season, finishing behind only Cristiano Ronaldo in the league's scoring charts.Southgate's future as England manager could hinge on the team's performance at the Euros. His contract expires after the tournament, and failure to win a trophy could spell the end of his reign.The fitness of John Stones remains a concern for England, especially given the absence of defensive stalwart Harry Maguire due to injury. Stones missed training earlier in the week due to illness but returned on Thursday. Southgate may consider playing Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold as a holding midfielder alongside Declan Rice.Serbia has reported no injury concerns ahead of the match.England's squad includes several experienced players, with Harry Kane, John Stones, and Kyle Walker making their fifth major tournament appearances for the Three Lions. Serbia, meanwhile, has scored 15 goals in qualifying for the Euros, with five of them coming from headers.Kane, England's all-time leading scorer with 63 goals, is still searching for his first trophy at club or international level. Mitrovic, on the other hand, has scored 28 goals in all competitions for Al-Hilal, behind only Ronaldo in the Saudi Pro League.Eleven members of Southgate's squad, including Chelsea forward Cole Palmer, are making their major tournament debuts.The match between England and Serbia is expected to draw a large crowd, with 80,000 liters of beer available to fans in Gelsenkirchen.