Jude Bellingham again took center stage at the Santiago Bernabéu, orchestrating a first-half show that left Red Bull Salzburg reeling. Real Madrid’s midfield looked energized from the start, with Bellingham producing a fluid backheel that gave Rodrygo his second strike.


He’s only 21 years, six months, and 24 days old, but Bellingham’s Champions League record has now drawn him level with at 24 goal contributions before turning 22.

Unlike Messi’s tally (17 , seven assists), Bellingham’s total comes from 11 strikes and 13 assists. He joins an exclusive club that includes Kylian Mbappé and , who hit 37 and 26 goal contributions, respectively, by the same milestone.

Bellingham has already racked up 32 goals and 22 assists for Madrid in all competitions for Los Blancos, and 18 of those contributions have arrived this season. That’s a remarkable return for a player many once labeled a simple box-to-box engine.

Madrid has struggled in the new Champions League group look phase, yet these moments suggest a surge of confidence right when they need it. Things are turning around fast at Real Madrid.