Jude Bellingham scored the first goal of his Real Madrid career as the Spanish giants defeated Manchester United 2-0 in a pre-season friendly in Houston on Wednesday.
The English midfielder Bellingham, who had just moved to Madrid for $114 million from Borussia Dortmund, scored his first goal just after six minutes.
Antonio Rudiger, a Madrid defender, ambushed the United defense with a perfectly weighted ball that sent Bellingham barreling for goal.
The 20-year-old controlled the ball with one touch before lifting a deft chip over United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was closing in quickly, to give Madrid a deserving lead.
Did you read this?
Brazilian international Vinicius Jr. might have doubled the Madrid lead shortly afterwards but scuffed his shot from eight yards out to let United off the hook.
After 36 minutes, United came close to tying the score again, but Marcus Rashford's shot from a tight angle missed the mark.
With Madrid in control, United’s frustration boiled over shortly before halftime when Lisandro Martinez clattered into Bellingham with a wild tackle. Bellingham reacted angrily and Martinez earned a booking for the challenge.
After a flurry of substitutions at halfway, United appeared to be playing better after the break, but Madrid continued to produce the better opportunities. On 69 minutes, Militao came close to making it 2-0 but saw his shot pushed off the line.
In the 89th minute, Lucas Vazquez crossed for veteran forward Joselu, who lit up the NRG Stadium with an incredible overhead kick to make it 2-0 and secure Madrid's victory.
