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 Bernabéu in their Group C opener, spoiling the Bundesliga side’s Champions League debut.
Real dominated possession in the first half but found it difficult to break down Union, who defended resolutely and were impressively marshalled at the back by veteran Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci – a summer signing from Juventus.
The 14-times European champions made a fast start to the second half and Rodrygo twice went close to scoring the opener, having a close-range shot saved by Frederik Rønnow before unleashing a thunderous volley that cannoned off the post.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team continued to turn the screw as the second half wore on with Union beginning to flag. The visitors’ resistance was finally pierced in the 94th minute when midfielder Bellingham turned in a rebound for his sixth goal in six games this season.
Galatasaray fought back for a 2-2 draw at home against FC Copenhagen in Group A. Mohamed Elyounoussi and Diogo Gonçalves gave the visitors a 2-0 lead but Copenhagen had Elias Jelert sent off for a second bookable offence on 73 minutes. Against 10 men, Galatasaray scored through Sacha Boey then levelled the game when Tetê fired in Wilfried Zaha’s cross.
Late kick-offs to follow.
