120 touches, 13/18 duels: Real Madrid midfielder puts on a gritty display against Atletico Madrid in the UCL | OneFootball

Real Madrid qualified for the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League after securing victory on penalties against Diego Simeone’s Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano.

Madrid’s 2-1 lead over Atletico Madrid was cancelled in just 30 seconds as Conor Gallagher levelled both teams on aggregate.

Luka Modric was selected to partner up with Aurelien Tchouaméni and Jude Bellingham, who returned to the side after serving a suspension in the 1st leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Like most of the players on the field, even Bellingham was not at his best in the opening half, with the Merengues having an xG of just 0.08 and 3 shots on goal as compared to Atletico’s 7.

The start to the 2nd half was much better and Jude Bellingham showed why he is – arguably – the most important player in the squad currently.

Carlo Ancelotti’s men looked more threatening and the Englishman was inside the box, looking for the perfect delivery – which did not arrive – and contributed more on the attacking front.

Even though the tiredness was visible on his face during extra time, the 21-year-old went for every tackle and gave his 100%, in what were grueling 120 minutes.

According to Sofascore statistics, he had 120 touches with a passing accuracy of 93% (84/90), completing 4/5 dribbles and 6/9 long balls.

The star midfielder won a staggering 13/18 duels – the most by any player in the match. Out of those 13 duels, he won 3/3 aerial duels, also the most by any player in the match. He contributed defensively as well, making 3 clearances and tackles each, and a single interception as well.

Bellingham was given the responsibility of the second penalty in the shootout and he maintained calmness, slotting the ball into the net with ease and sending Jan Oblak the wrong way.

This match further showed the importance of his presence in the side, giving his all until the end and scoring the penalty when it mattered the most.

Eyes will be fixated on him again on 8th April, as the youngster travels to his home country, England, to take on a tough Arsenal side at the Emirates in the 1st leg of the quarter-final.