Jude Bellingham boosts Ballon d'Or hopes after matching stunning Cristiano Ronaldo achievement

Jude Bellingham has equalled a record set by Cristiano Ronaldo as his dream spell at Real Madrid continues.

The 20-year-old sensation helped Real reach the Champions League semi-finals on Wednesday when they knocked out Manchester City on penalties at the Etihad Stadium.

Attentions then turned to the huge El Clasico fixture with Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday and not for the first time, Bellingham came up clutch in a thrilling encounter.

Andreas Christensen put Barca ahead six minutes in before Vinicius Jr equalised after a controversial penalty decision.

Fermin Lopez re-established Barca's lead and celebrated right in front of the Madridstas, only for Lucas Vazquez to level matters again minutes later.

And then in the dying embers, Bellingham popped up with an emphatic left-footed finish to win it and take a major step towards the La Liga title.

Image: Getty

It was the Birmingham City youth product's 21st goal of the season and followed up his heroics in the reverse fixture.

Real came from behind at the Estadi Olimpic in October too, with Bellingham bagging a brace - including a 92nd minute winner.

And in hitting two last-minute winners, Bellingham has matched a feat achieved by five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 39-year-old is quite possibly the most clutch player in world football and he is the last Real player before Bellingham to score against Barca home and away.

Image: Getty

Ronaldo managed it in 2014/15, finding the net in a 3-1 win and also scoring in a 2-1 loss at the Nou Camp.

Bellingham has bettered Ronaldo's efforts though, given he was the reason Real won on both occasions.

Real legend Raul hailed Bellingham in a recent interview and claims he will follow him in becoming an icon.

As per The Mirror, he said: "He makes his goals to win El Clasico but he plays well and gives extra when things are difficult.

"He connects with people as well and that's why he's going to be special. I am sure he is going to be a legend in Real Madrid for a long, long time.”

Topics: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid, Ballon d'Or

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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