Jude Bellingham scored deep in added time as Real Madrid wore down a resilient Union Berlin to claim a 1-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu in their Group C opener on Wednesday, spoiling the Bundesliga side’s Champions League debut.
The match in Madrid looked like it was heading for a draw when substitute Federico Valverde’s shot ricocheted off two players in Union’s crowded penalty area before falling to Bellingham, who turned it into the net for his sixth goal in six games this season.
The 94th-minute goal also ensured that Real kept up their 100% record this campaign, earning them a sixth straight win.
While the visitors will be bitterly disappointed to have conceded so late, they will take heart from their performance and believe they have a real chance to make it out of the group stage.
Union host Portugal’s Braga next on Oct. 3 while Real visit Italian champions Napoli.