Jude Bellingham sent a defiant message to his critics after ending his goal drought in Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Osasuna.
The former Borussia Dortmund player netted 23 goals for Madrid last season but had gone 14 games without scoring prior to this weekend’s La Liga clash with Osasuna at the Bernabeu.
Bellingham ended his dry spell in style with a cheeky lobbed finish that appeared to suggest that he had not lost any confidence despite his poor run of scoring form.
And after the thumping win he took to Instagram to thank those who remained supportive during his barren spell.
‘Even in sh*t times, giving up is not an option.’ The Englishman wrote. ‘Madridistas, thank you for your incredible support in the good moments and the bad ones.’
Jude Bellingham netted his first goal of the season in Real Madrid’s 4-0 win over Osasuna
The Englishman took his goal in confident fashion, chipping the ball over the onrushing Sergio Herrera
Madrid’s dominant win took them to within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona after 12 matches
Bellingham’s drought-busting goal against Osasuna on Saturday came in the 42nd minute of a mixed first half for Madrid.
Madrid went into the interval 2-0 up, after Bellingham had earlier assisted Vinicius Junior for the opener.
However, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was forced into two substitutions as central defender Eder Militao and fellow Brazilian Rodrygo both left the field in tears after picking up injuries.
Madrid had gone into Saturday’s game on the back of two disappointing defeats. Tuesday’s loss to Milan had come just 72 hours after a 4-0 Clasico thrashing by Barcelona.
Ancelotti already had multiple injury issues, with David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Thibaut Courtois all listed as long-term absentees, before Aurelien Tchouameni suffered an ankle sprain against Milan.
The Italian will now be hoping that the injuries suffered by Eder Militao and Rodrygo are not overly serious, although the players’ reactions suggest they could well be.
Madrid’s dominant win took them to within six points of La Liga leaders Barcelona after 12 rounds of fixtures.
But Barca can move nine clear again if they take maximum points from their trip to Real Sociedad on Sunday.
