Real Madrid and Celta Vigo players in action during a La Liga match in Vigo, Spain, August 25, 2023. /CFP
Real Madrid and Celta Vigo players in action during a La Liga match in Vigo, Spain, August 25, 2023. /CFP
Real Madrid's new signing Jude Bellingham scored in the second half to earn his side a third straight win as they beat Celta Vigo 1-0 in La Liga on Friday to maintain a perfect start.
The 20-year-old once again led the Spanish giants' attack, scoring for the fourth time in his first three league games following Rodrygo's missed penalty earlier in the second half.
Real were dealt an early blow as Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr was forced off with a leg problem after 15 minutes, a notable loss for Carlo Ancelotti's side that comes on top of goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao's injuries.
Celta were also forced into a substitution due to Franco Cervi's injury shortly before halftime.
The visitors had already come under fire in the opening seconds as Celta thought they had taken the lead only for VAR to rule out Jorgen Larsen's effort for a foul on goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, making his debut following his loan from Chelsea.
However, England midfielder Bellingham put La Liga leaders Real in front 10 minutes from time with a header from Joselu's touch off a corner to maintain his impressive start.
Raheem Sterling #7 celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal against Luton Town in the Premier League in London, UK, August 25, 2023. /CFP
Raheem Sterling #7 celebrates scoring Chelsea's first goal against Luton Town in the Premier League in London, UK, August 25, 2023. /CFP
Elsewhere in Europe, Chelsea won their first competitive match under coach Mauricio Pochettino with a 3-0 home victory over Premier League new boys Luton Town thanks to two goals by Raheem Sterling and Nicolas Jackson's first strike for the Londoners.
Sterling received the ball from wing back Malo Gusto, cut in from the right and weaved his way through Luton's defence before shooting low into the far corner in the 17th minute for one of his best goals in a Chelsea shirt.
The duo combined again in the 68th when Gusto ran onto a pass from British record transfer signing Moises Caicedo, looking composed on his first start for Chelsea, and the Frenchman crossed for a simple finish by Sterling.
Seven minutes later, the England winger turned provider as he crossed for Jackson and the Senegal striker stretched out a boot to score his first Chelsea goal since signing from Villarreal in June.
It was the big-spending Blues' first win of the season after an opening day 1-1 draw against Liverpool and last Sunday's 3-1 defeat at West Ham United and only their second win in 15 Premier League games including last season's dreadful run.
Luton, playing just their second top-division game in 31 years – after opening with a 4-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion – and with a side assembled largely from players out of the lower divisions, spurned a chance to level on the hour.
Ryan Giles had the goal at his mercy but Gusto half-blocked his shot and keeper Robert Sanchez reached for the looping ball.
The home fans responded enthusiastically as Chelsea recorded their first home league win since March 4 and Pochettino lived up to his promise to get the Blues playing attractive football after the struggles of last season under Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, both of whom were fired.
Sterling has flourished under the Argentine having struggled to find consistent form for much of the time since his move from Manchester City in July last year.
In a less spectacular way, Friday's win was also significant for the way Caicedo slotted into the anchor role in Chelsea's midfield, allowing Enzo Fernandez and Conor Gallagher to venture further forward and stretch Luton, who were outclassed.
Source(s): Reuters