Bellingham's Ballon d'Or is back on - but Haaland's hopes are over

Jude Bellingham's Ballon d'Or campaign is back on track after the English mifielder helped Real Madrid secure another important victory over Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League to advance to the next stage.

Jude Bellingham showcased his exceptional talent and adaptability during the crucial Champions League clash against Manchester City. Despite being a summer signing, Bellingham has seamlessly integrated himself into the Real Madrid squad, displaying confidence both on and off the pitch. In Wednesday's match, he faced a significant test as he was entrusted with a pivotal role for the 14-time European champions.

True to form, Bellingham delivered an outstanding performance, exhibiting tireless energy and determination throughout the game. His composure was evident when he confidently converted his penalty in the shootout, a moment that saw him celebrate passionately with the Madrid supporters. This decisive contribution played a crucial role in Real Madrid's victory over Manchester City, securing their place in yet another Champions League semi-final.

The match began with Rodrygo scoring an early goal for Real Madrid, capitalizing on a swift counter-attack that exploited Manchester City's high defensive line. Bellingham played a key role in initiating the counter-attack with a skillful touch on the halfway line, setting the stage for Real Madrid's opening goal and leaving the Etihad Stadium in shock.

City responded with several chances in the first half, with Erling Haaland hitting the crossbar and both Kevin De Bruyne and Jack Grealish testing Real Madrid's goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin. Haaland almost forced an own goal from Nacho, while Phil Foden missed a clear opportunity.
De Bruyne eventually leveled the score with a powerful shot into the roof of the net following a defensive error from Antonio Rudiger. Despite having another chance to seal the victory, De Bruyne missed the target from a promising position in the box.

Pep Guardiola's decision to substitute Haaland before extra time had a significant impact on the game, as City struggled to break down Madrid's resilient defense. The match ultimately went to a penalty shootout, where Madrid emerged victorious, with Luka Modric being the only player to miss a spot-kick for Madrid. Lunin's crucial saves ensured Real Madrid's progression to the next round.

For Bellingham, the prospect of European success and potential individual accolades has never been closer.

GOAL breaks down the winners & losers from the Etihad Stadium

WINNER: Andriy Lunin

Two years ago, in the Champions League final, Real Madrid relied on an exceptional goalkeeping performance from Thibaut Courtois to secure their 14th European title against Liverpool. In this match, with Courtois sidelined due to injury, it was up to his backup goalkeeper to step up and become the hero.

Andriy Lunin has proven himself to be a capable deputy throughout the season, but this game was truly his standout moment. He made crucial saves in the first half and demonstrated bravery in dealing with crosses into his six-yard box.

However, it was during the penalty shootout where Lunin truly shone. He saved two spot-kicks, including a bold stop against Bernardo Silva's attempted Panenka, and then a diving save to deny Mateo Kovacic. While he may not be the first-choice goalkeeper, and will likely step aside once Courtois returns to full fitness, Lunin has now cemented his place in Real Madrid folklore with this outstanding performance.

LOSER: Erling Haaland

Once again, Erling Haaland failed to deliver a standout performance in a crucial match, mirroring his lackluster display in the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu. While he showed some improvement by creating a few dangerous moments, particularly when he hit the crossbar with a header in the first half, he still fell short of expectations. In his four matches against Real Madrid, he has yet to score a goal, despite the speculation linking him with a potential move to the club in the future.

Haaland struggled against the defensive prowess of Antonio Rudiger and Nacho, failing to make a significant impact on the game. He was unable to play beyond the 90 minutes and requested to be substituted, meaning he was unavailable for the extra period and the subsequent penalty shootout. City managed without him until the shootout, where his replacement, Julian Alvarez, successfully converted his penalty.

Despite Haaland's previous success in the Champions League, finishing as the top scorer last season, he failed to elevate his performance during the crucial stages of this campaign. With just six goals, half of his tally from the previous season, and only one goal in the knockout rounds, Haaland will likely be disappointed with his overall showing in the competition this year.

WINNER: Carlo Ancelotti

meticulous approach with Manchester City and Carlo Ancelotti's more flexible and freedom-oriented tactics with Real Madrid. Guardiola's City emphasize precision and attention to detail, meticulously crafting their system to create high-quality scoring opportunities. On the other hand, Ancelotti's Madrid display a more liberated style, willing to take shots from distance, seize half-chances, and adapt their rhythm to create scoring chances.

In this encounter, it was Ancelotti's approach that proved successful. Madrid displayed discipline in defense while also capitalizing on crucial moments in attack. While penalty shootouts can be unpredictable, it was Ancelotti's pragmatism that guided Los Blancos to that stage.

Ultimately, the outcome of the match served as validation for Ancelotti's coaching methods. While he is not devoid of tactical acumen, he also allows his team the freedom to express themselves on the field. In a showdown against Guardiola, known for his tactical prowess, it was Ancelotti's approach that emerged triumphant, highlighting the effectiveness of his style.

LOSER: Bernardo Silva & Mateo Kovacic

In a penalty shootout, there is no room for mercy, and those unfortunate enough to miss will bear the weight of failure indefinitely. Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic will now carry that burden throughout their careers after failing to deliver from the penalty spot.

Bernardo's penalty was particularly disappointing, as he failed to deceive Lunin and instead sent the ball straight at the goalkeeper. His attempt lacked the finesse of a true 'Panenka' and relied solely on the goalkeeper's movement. It's possible that the delay caused by fans holding onto the ball behind the goal affected his concentration, giving him too much to contemplate before taking the penalty.

Kovacic, on the other hand, attempted to place his penalty wide of Lunin, but it was too close to the goalkeeper, allowing him to make the save. City will hope both players can bounce back in the upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea or contribute positively to their Premier League title push. However, they will always be remembered as the ones who squandered the opportunity for a double-treble. It would be unfortunate if they couldn't secure at least one more piece of silverware this season to partially redeem themselves.

WINNER: Bellingham's Ballon d'Or credentials

Bellingham had been considered a leading contender for the 2024 Ballon d'Or for much of the season, but his prospects had waned somewhat in recent times due to a decrease in goal-scoring output and spells on the sidelines due to injury and suspension.

However, it is on nights like these that a player's credentials are truly put to the test, and Bellingham certainly rose to the occasion. His involvement in the buildup to Rodrygo's goal set the tone for the game, and he consistently provided an outlet for Madrid when they were in possession, finding space efficiently and delivering precise passes to his teammates.

Additionally, he contributed defensively by pressing opponents and making crucial challenges. His composed penalty further highlighted his contribution to the team.
Given the nature of the match, which was never going to be an attacking spectacle for Madrid, Bellingham's all-around performance was crucial. With such a well-rounded display, he has strengthened his candidacy for the Ballon d'Or, and it may now be his award to lose.