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via Reuters

via Reuters

Legends are made on the grandest of stages. For years, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo held the spotlight with their extraordinary performances. But now, a new name is set to dominate the biggest fixture in soccer, El Clasico. As Real Madrid bested Barcelona in a 2-1 stunning comeback victory, the hero of the night was none other than Los Blancos’ rising star Jude Bellingham.

Bellingham orchestrated an epic comeback for Real Madrid in front of the Barca home crowd by scoring a brace, including an injury-time winner. However, despite his heroics in El Clasico, critics targeted the Englishman for his performance.

Bellingham’s response to the critics

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As Real Madrid clinched a thrilling victory against their arch-rivals Barcelona with the help of Jude Bellingham, the Englishman got involved with a post-match interview. Speaking after the match, Bellingham faced the elephant in the room – critics who labeled him as the ‘Tap-In King.’ Bellingham calmly responded with a dash of humor.

When asked about which of his Clasico goals was his favorite, he replied, “Which one was my favorite Clasico goal? Probably the first one. I can imagine everyone battering me for the second one, I know I get a lot of grief for scoring tap-ins… but I was on the move, and you create your own luck, and I’ve done it again.

The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys bore witness to an early Barcelona lead, courtesy of Ilkay Gundogan’s goal in the sixth minute. The home crowd was roaring, and it seemed as if Barcelona was cruising to victory. However, Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham had other plans. In the 68th minute, Bellingham unleashed a thunderous shot in the top corner that left Barcelona’s goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, helpless. The Englishman’s out-of-the-box strike brought Madrid back into the game.

READ MORE: Jude Bellingham Powering Real Madrid’s El Clasico Win Against Barcelona Leaves Erling Haaland in Sheer Disbelief – “Unreal This Guy

As the Clasico entered stoppage time, the atmosphere got more tense. In the injury time, Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal sent a cross into the box, met with a deft touch from Luka Modric, causing the ball to bounce towards the goal. However, with predatory instincts, Jude Bellingham pounced upon the ball, and slotted it past Ter Stegen, scoring in the dying minutes of the game.

With his second goal of the match, Bellingham handed a crucial victory to Real Madrid and silenced his critics. His statements post-match resonate with his capabilities. The ‘tap-in’ goals are not accidents, but the result of his sheer presence of mind and positioning.

A historic debut for Jude Bellingham

With his brace against Barcelona, Bellingham achieved something remarkable. He became the first Real Madrid player this century to score twice on his Clasico debut. Even Los Blancos legend Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t manage such a feat. Bellingham’s form this season for Madrid is nothing short of exemplary. He has already scored 13 goals in 13 total games for Merengues and looks in sharp form. This historic Clasico accomplishment cements Bellingham’s status as a rising superstar in the soccer world.

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via Imago

While the specter of Messi and Ronaldo’s greatness still looms large, it is Bellingham’s time to shine. His performance in the El Clasico was a watershed moment in his career. He showed that he is not only a world-class midfielder but also a match-winner on the biggest stage. All eyes will be on the English star, as Real Madrid prepares to challenge for the La Liga title this season.

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