JUDE BELLINGHAM has been crowned a LaLiga champion with Real Madrid for the first time after Barcelona fell to defeat against Girona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side put one hand on the trophy earlier today after a 3-0 win over Cadiz thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz, Bellingham and Joselu.
That then piled the pressure on bitter rivals Barca, who travelled to third-place Girona knowing they had to win to stay in the race.
However, the City Group-owned minnows – who have defied the odds to mount a top four charge this season – proved to be too big a hurdle to climb for Xavi’s side.
Barcelona got off the perfect start with a goal from former Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen after just three minutes.
But division top scorer Artem Dovbyk answered with a goal of his own for Girona only a minute later.
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The Blaugrana took the lead once again on the stroke of half-time through Robert Lewandowski.
Girona though did not fancy being beaten at home for just the second time this season – their sole defeat at the Estadi Montilivi coming against Real Madrid – and surged back into the lead.
Two goals from super sub Portu and a strike from Miguel Gutiérrez saw Girona take a 4-2 lead.
And with Barcelona then unable to comeback, it saw Madrid crowned champions for a record 36th time.
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In the case of Bellingham, 20, he is the first Englishman since Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid) in 2021 to win the Spanish league title.
Bellingham also become the first Englishman since David Beckham to be crowned champion with Real Madrid since 2007.
The former Borussia Dortmund star may even be eyeing another Beckham accolade with the club’s Player of the Year award – achieved by Becks in 2006.
Bellingham has netted 22 goals in all competitions this season, including 18 in the league which also featured two late in matches against Barcelona.
His other four have come in the Champions League, though he is yet to score in the knockout stages.
However, Bellingham and his team-mates have been banned from partying tonight by boss Ancelotti.
The legendary coach confirmed following the win over Cadiz that his Madrid players would not be going to the Cibeles fountain in the city center regardless of the result in the Barca game.
Ancelotti said: “Tomorrow there’s training and everyone does what they want tonight, like this afternoon. But there’s nothing organized. We have to think about Wednesday.”
Ancelotti was reminded of a similar situation from two seasons ago when Madrid won the title, saying: “It’s a different situation.
“Two years ago it was in our hands, because with beating Espanyol we were champions. But today we are not, and it’s not worth the wait.
“If we have to celebrate, we’ll do it next Sunday – something that the fans understand perfectly.
“We haven’t won yet, so we can’t come up with scenarios like ‘if Barcelona wins’…
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“There’s nothing [to do]. [Go] home, [with] peace of mind and thinking about Bayern.”
Last time out Ancelotti got fans love when he was seen enjoying a cigar in the celebrations, and it is easy to imagine something similar could occur again this time around.
Meet Jude Bellingham’s stunning girlfriend, lingerie model Laura Celia Valk
By Jon Boon
LAURA CELIA VALK is the stunning Dutch fashion model who has stolen Jude Bellingham’s heart.
The Sun exclusively revealed that she’s been staying at his place in Madrid and is completely smitten with him.
Laura boasts a huge social media following and regularly travels the world, enjoying a luxurious lifestyle.
From underwear modelling to showing off Pretty Little Thing’s latest wear, she regularly collaborates with fashion houses around the globe.
Wherever she is, Laura makes sure to drop into Chanel – her favourite designer.
She’s also quite the foodie, with pizza and strawberries being her favourites.
It won’t be long before we see her at the Bernabeu enjoying a prawn sandwich!
Find out more about Laura.
Or read all the latest Jude Bellingham news.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
