Real Madrid's Bellingham Garners Comparisons to Legend Zidane

Review site Betmentor commented, Jude Bellingham's header gave Real Madrid a 2-1 lead in the Group C match at the Santiago Bernabeu, following an initial goal from Giovanni Simeone for Napoli and a subsequent equalizer from Rodrygo for the home team.

After the half-time break, Napoli's Frank Zambo Anguissa leveled the score at 2-2 before Nico Paz restored Real Madrid's lead. Bellingham then provided an assist for Joselu, securing the win for Madrid in added time.

When asked about the comparisons between Bellingham and Zinedine Zidane, who was present at the Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of comparing players from different generations. Ancelotti highlighted Bellingham's ability to get into the box, something that Zidane didn't possess, and emphasized the modern game's requirement for physical players like Bellingham who can cover a lot of ground quickly. Ancelotti also acknowledged that while Bellingham may lack the individual quality that Zidane had, he brings other strengths to the team.

Bellingham's impressive form continued with his goal in the match, bringing his tally to 15 goals in 16 games for Real Madrid. Notably, he has scored in every Champions League appearance for the club thus far.

"It looked like he was very tired in the middle of the second half," Ancelotti said. "He took 10 minutes to recover and then in the last 15 minutes he made the difference to help us win. It's surprising. I don't think anybody could have imagined his adaptation to this style of football, to this club.

"He surprises every day, in every game. Not just us, he's surprising everybody. [Bellingham] is a gift for football. His coach and his teammates are delighted with him, and the fans are delighted with him, but everybody is delighted to see a player with this potential and this positive image."

After Joselu scored in the 94th minute, with Bellingham providing the assist, the midfielder encouraged his teammate to take the applause from the Bernabeu crowd.

"Bellingham is a young, serious professional," Ancelotti said. "He's adapted well to the dressing room. He has to improve his Spanish. As I've said many times, nobody is perfect!"

In-form Madrid striker Rodrygo said: "I don't even have the words," when asked to describe Bellingham's impact. "It's a pleasure to play with him."

The 4-2 victory secured Real Madrid's place in the Champions League round of 16 as group winners, having won all five of their matches in the group stage so far.

Despite dealing with an injury crisis that has left Ancelotti with eight unavailable players, Real Madrid currently sit at the top of the LaLiga table. Their next match is against Granada at home on Saturday.