BARCELONA: Jude Bellingham maintained his astonishing start to life with Real Madrid by striking both goals as the Spanish league leaders won the Clasico 2-1 in Barcelona.

The 20-year-old Englishman now has 13 goals and three assists in 13 games in all competitions since joining from Borussia Dortmund. Madrid thus became the first club to reach 1,800 wins in LaLiga.

On Saturday, he inspired Madrid’s recovery after Ilkay Gundogan had punished a defensive mistake by Aurelien Tchouameni to open the scoring for Barcelona in the Montjuic Olympic Stadium in the sixth minute.

However Barcelona failed to press home their advantage and paid a heavy price. First Bellingham struck from 25 metres in the 68th minute and then, in stoppage time, he converted a Luka Modric assist.

Bellingham told RealMadridTV: “It was a good day. Neither myself nor the team were at our best, but we kept playing and little by little we started to put pressure on their midfield and defence. Then we got our reward. We showed belief and character. Another comeback. I love them. It’s hard on the heart, but they’re fun games.

“I had watched many Clasicos from the sofa with my family and I told them that today it was my turn to live it firsthand and do something great. I’ve done that and I’m very happy.”

Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said: “Jude looks like a veteran out there because of his attitude. His first goal changed the dynamic completely of what was a difficult game for us.

“I can’t deny that we are all surprised with his vein of form, especially with his level and his effectiveness. He is everywhere on the field. Today he was stupendous and shocked everyone with his wonderful goal from the edge of the area.”

Modric, who had been making his 500th appearance for Madrid, said: “It seems like he’s been here a long time, not three months. As they say in Spain, he landed on his feet. He exudes personality, character. It’s no coincidence that he has adapted so well.

“He’s a top boy, with an extraordinary talent. I don’t think even he can believe he’s scoring so many goals… I congratulate him and I hope he keeps going, he can’t slow down.”

Barcelona coach Xavi said: “Even a draw would be unfair for us after the game we had; they looked like they’d surrendered and then came those disgraceful blows to shock us. It’s a shame.

“We dominated for 60 minutes but this is football. Real Madrid do this to you.”

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