Superb Bellingham strikes twice as Real thump Osasuna

MADRID, Oct 7 (Reuters) – Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham scored twice and produced another masterful display in a 4-0 LaLiga home win over Osasuna on Saturday, with the England midfielder reaching an astonishing 10 goals in his first 10 starts for his new team.

Ten goals scored from 19 shots is extraordinary effectiveness from the 20-year-old Bellingham who has made his transition to Spanish soccer look ridiculously easy.

He equalled Cristiano Ronaldo’s 10 goals, but delivered three assists against only one by the Portuguese in his first ten starts for Real in all competitions.

Belligham scored a goal in each half to give Real a two-goal lead before Vinicius Jr. and Joselu completed the rout.

Bellingham is LaLiga’s top-scorer with eight goals in seven starts, three ahead of team mate Joselu and Robert Lewandowski.

“(Bellingham) is incredible! He was born to play for Real Madrid, to mark and era in the biggest club in the world”, Vinicius told Movistar Plus.

“We have a special connection and I hope it lasts for many years and that we play here for a long time.

“I’m delighted to be playing with Jude, one of the best players in the world and at a young age. We’re all happy and the fans are really enjoying it.”

Real dominated the match and Bellingham opened the scoring in the ninth minute with an unstoppable close-range strike after receiving a fine wall pass from Dani Carvajal.

The hosts wasted several opportunities to score in the first half, with the chemistry between Vinicius and Bellingham causing all kinds of trouble for Osasuna’s defence.

They did extend their lead in the 54th minute through Bellingham’s tidy finish between the goalkeeper’s legs following a slick move with Federico Valverde.

Vinicius claimed the third following a quick counter-attack started by Valverde in the 65th minute and assisted Joselu who stroked home the fourth.

The Spanish striker had the chance to add a fifth from the penalty spot in the 84th minute but failed to convert the opportunity, goalkeeper Sergio Herrera easily stopping a weak effort in the middle of the goal.

Real moved on to 24 points from nine games, two ahead of Girona, who beat Cadiz 1-0 away earlier on Saturday. With a game in hand, Barcelona are third on 20 points and face Granada on Sunday.