Jude Bellingham will miss Real Madrid’s La Liga fixture against Valencia on Saturday due to a shoulder injury.
The 20-year-old midfielder suffered a dislocated shoulder after an awkward fall early on in Sunday’s goalless draw with Rayo Vallecano. He was able to play the full match, but was an unused substitute during Wednesday’s Champions League group stage victory over Braga.
Madrid opened the scoring in the third minute, as full back Dani Carvajal unleashed a half-volley from the edge of the box after lifting the ball over Valencia defender José Gayà with a brilliant first touch.
Toni Kroos sent a freekick off the crossbar shortly after but, despite the hosts early dominance, Valencia's Hugo Duro had two great chances to score in the space of a few minutes that goalkeeper Andriy Lunin denied with fine saves from close range.
However, Vinícius and Rodrygo were a constant threat for Valencia's defence, creating several chances before finally working together to extend their lead in the 42nd minute.
Rodrygo burst down the right touchline and crossed low to Vinícius who launched himself towards the ball to score with his shoulder in a fabulous diving effort common in the footvolley games played on the beaches of his hometown Rio de Janeiro.
The Real winger got a fabulous third just after half-time, cutting in before curling a low effort inside the near post.
A minute later, Che goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvii gave the ball straight to Rodrygo who gleefully shot home.
Rodrygo netted his second, turning a defender inside and out before hitting home with his left, and Real's fifth on 84 minutes, before Valencia's Hugo Duro scored an 88th-minute consolation.
The win brings Real within two points of La Liga leaders Girona. Valencia drop to ninth spot.
Bellingham had stayed on the bench Wednesday against Braga in a 3-0 win that put Madrid into the Champions League knockout round.
The Spanish league home game against Valencia will be the last for Madrid before an international break. The team said hours before kickoff that Bellingham would sit out.
Bellingham is supposed to play for England in European Championship qualifiers next week. England has already qualified for next year’s tournament in Germany before hosting Malta on Nov. 17 and visiting North Macedonia three days later.
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