Nacho, Joselu, Tchouameni hail Real Madrid hero Bellingham: “Born to play for this club” | OneFootball

Real Madrid eked out a narrow 1-0 win over Union Berlin in their first Group C game of the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League.

While Carlo Ancelotti’s men were always on top in the game, they were unable to breach the German opposition’s goal for the longest time.

And just when it looked like the game would end in a goalless draw, Jude Bellingham came up with the match-winning moment four minutes into stoppage time to send the Santiago Bernabeu into raptures.

It was the England international’s sixth goal in as many games for Real Madrid and his contributions were praised by some of his teammates.

Real Madrid captain Nacho Fernandez, who made his first start of the season on Wednesday, went on to claim that Bellingham was born to play for this club, as he said (h/t RealMadrid.com):

“He was born to play for Real Madrid. We are lucky to have him already with us. May he continue to score lots of goals.”

On the win against Union Berlin, he added: “This is the Champions League and any team can make things difficult for you. In the first game, especially at home, it’s always important to get the three points. Now we have more confidence for everything that is coming.”

Following in Nacho’s footsteps, midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni also spoke highly about Bellingham after the match, as he said: “He is an incredible player and we are very happy to have him.”

Talking about the victory on the night, the Frenchman stated: “We are very happy. It’s a good victory for us. To come back is Real Madrid’s DNA. We did it today and we will do it again if we have to. It’s incredible.

“It was a very difficult game, but we know we have to give everything until the end. Before the game, we knew that the opposition played like that and that they weren’t going to leave any space.”

On his own personal situation, the midfielder added: “I feel very good. I play a lot and I have to keep it up.”

Joselu delighted with deserved victory

Bellingham and Joselu celebrating. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Summer signing Joselu, who made his third straight start for Real Madrid across all competitions, also spoke to the media after the game and sung praises of Bellingham, as he said:

“He’s an outstanding player. He’s in the right place at the right time. I think it’s the second or third goal he’s scored like that. We’re very happy for him and because today he was important for us to get the three points.”

Talking about the victory against Union Berlin, Joselu insisted that it was well deserved for Real Madrid, saying:

“We deserved the win. We had most of the control of the match and the best chances. The ball didn’t go in before the 94th minute, but we persisted and the team believed, as always. We must never give up on ourselves.”

“The team has to believe and they always believe. We had the clearest chances, and even two or three clear shots. The ball was going to go in. The important thing today was to get a first win in the Champions League and we did it.”

On the opposition, Union Berlin, who posed a tough challenge on the night, Joselu added: “It was a team that, with a line of five and a line of four at the back, made it difficult for us. It’s difficult to get the better of this type of team.

“They had a great season last year and this year they are doing very well. But the important thing was to get the three points to get off to a good start.”

On playing his first UCL match with Real Madrid, he added: “I’m very happy. I would have liked to leave with a goal but the important thing is the team. We worked well and we managed to win. That’s the way forward.”