ANALYSIS: NAPOLI 2-3 REAL MADRID | BELLINGHAM MASTERCLASS | CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Let’s analyze Jude Bellingham’s masterclass for Real Madrid’s victory against Napoli. We start with Ancelotti’s structure in possession. Tchouaméni and Kroos forming a double pivot, Camavinga as inverted left-back and Bellingham close to Vinícius.

Out of possession, Real Madrid in a high block, with Bellingham very aggressive orienting the press, scoring in one of those plays the first goal.

Jude is covering Zambo Anguissa but is very attentive to intercept the pass to Lobotka. He recovers the ball, drives into the box and when Østigård is pinned by his move, Bellingham makes the best possible decision, giving the pass to Vinícius who is free to score.

His movements off the ball were spectacular, always finding free space to receive the pass, providing solutions in all areas of the field, generating superiority to break Napoli’s press.

His intelligence can be seen in the play of Real Madrid’s second goal. Vinícius attacks the space dragging the defense, Rodrygo attracts Lobotka and Bellingham is waiting in the perfect position to receive with no one nearby.

He carries unopposed into the final third. With his stride and verticality gets rid of Zambo Anguissa, and with top technical level using both legs takes on Østigård, firing a composed finish into the bottom-right corner. 

One of his strengths that he isn’t showing as often is his progressive pass. In this play, he receives the ball from Valverde and is able to play in just 2 touches a beautiful pass behind the Napoli defense.

Lastly, we must highlight his movements inside the box, finding free space just as he does in the middle of the field. In addition to his instinct to finish a lot of plays with a follow-up, always positioned in the right place.

Jude Bellingham is showing that at 20 years old he is already one of the best players in the world.