"The hero that day" - Jude Bellingham names Real Madrid star who was crucial in 2023-24 UCL Q/F win over Manchester City

Jude Bellingham has emphasized the importance of Andriy Lunin's heroics against Manchester City en route to Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League triumph last season. The Ukrainian goalkeeper was vital as Los Blancos beat the Cityzens in the quarterfinals.

Lunin denied Mateo Kovacic and Bernardo Silva from the penalty spot as Madrid won 4-3 in a shootout. The two European giants had settled on a 4-4 aggregate draw in an enthralling tie.

Bellingham has spoken about that famous night at the Etihad and how Lunin was the hero. He said on his YouTube channel:

"Even after we missed the first penalty vs. City, I still didn’t think we would go out... Lunin was the hero that day [vs. Manchester City]."

The video released on the English star's YouTube shows a clip of Bellingham hugging and congratulating Lunin in the locker room. It's clear just how highly the Ukraine is rated regarding the La Liga giants' Champions League win last season.

Lunin also impressed over 120 minutes at the Etihad before the tie headed to penalties. He was man-of-the-match, making eight saves and preventing an average of 0.79 goals.

Thibaut Courtois returned from an ACL injury and reclaimed his place in Carlo Ancelotti's starting XI. Lunin sat out the 2-0 final victory over Borussia Dortmund.

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Real Madrid icon Zinedine Zidane tips Jude Bellingham to win the Ballon d'Or

Zinedine Zidane thinks Jude Bellingham can win the Ballon d'Or at some stage (Image - Getty)

Jude Bellingham took Zinedine Zidane's iconic No.5 shirt when he arrived at Real Madrid from Dortmund in July 2023. Given that Zizou is one of Los Blancos' all-time greats, they were big shoes to fill.

The England international flourished in his debut season at the Bernabeu, registering 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions. He played a key role in Madrid winning the Champions League, La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana.

Zidane has backed Bellingham to win a future Ballon d'Or and says he's already displaying his talent in the Spanish capital. He said (via Sky Sports):

"He's showing now already what he's able to do... Why not (He can win Ballon d'Or)?"

Reports claim Vinicius Junior will win this year's Ballon d'Or, meaning Bellingham misses out. However, given his groundbreaking start at Real Madrid, he could still be set for a place on the podium.

Bellingham has moved to midfield this season following Kylian Mbappe's arrival at the Bernabeu. He's still impressing, managing two assists in five games across competitions.