Italy legend Fabio Cannavaro, a former Real Madrid and Juventus defender is impressed by Jude Bellingham’s first touch, which paved the way for the Merengues’ opener against Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-finals.
Real Madrid are leading 1-0 at Etihad Stadium at the break thanks to a Rodrygo goal at minute 12.
The first leg in Spain ended in a 3-3 draw, so Carlo Ancelotti’s side are currently leading 4-3 on aggregate.
The La Liga giants took the lead by finalising a perfect counter-attack, but it all started with a gorgeous touch from Bellingham.
“It’s the first rule of football, the first touch,” a smiling Cannavaro told Amazon Prime Sport Video during the break.
“He showed great personality. First touch, dribble, and a fantastic goal.
“We had said before that City would struggle in these circumstances and with sudden passes. The whole Madrid attack was great. City were a bit unlucky after the first save and Madrid scored a key goal.”
Cannavaro joined Real Madrid in 2006 after Juventus’ relegation to Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal.
The Italy international won the Ballon d’Or in the Spanish capital, but it was a recognition of his impressive 2006 World Cup campaign, which contributed to the Azzurri’s victory.
The former Italian centre-back scored one goal in 118 appearances with the Merengues winning two La Liga titles and one Spanish Supercup.
look at Jude Bellingham in the build up to the goal apparently he isn’t good technically, I laughed. pic.twitter.com/jrST8gnNC8
— RMFC (@TeamRMFC) April 17, 2024