Real Madrid Triumph in Hard-Fought Champions League Opener Against Union Berlin

Real Madrid kicked off their Champions League campaign with a challenging victory against debutants Union Berlin at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, it was far from a straightforward win for the 14-time champions.

Carlo Ancelotti made four changes to the lineup that secured a win against Real Sociedad on Sunday, with Nacho Fernandez, Lucas Vazquez, Luka Modric, and Eduardo Camavinga all in the starting eleven for the hosts. Unfortunately, these changes did not yield the desired results.

Real Madrid dominated the first half, controlling 73% of the possession and firing 14 shots at goal. However, they struggled to find the breakthrough, managing just one shot on target, much to the frustration of the home crowd.

The second half presented a similar story, with Real Madrid dominating possession and creating numerous chances but failing to break down Union’s defense. Joselu Mato and Rodrygo both came close, hitting the post, but it appeared that luck was not on Los Blancos’ side.

However, the late drama unfolded when Jude Bellingham scored a dramatic winning goal in the 94th minute, breaking Union Berlin’s hearts and sending the Bernabeu crowd into jubilation.

Union Berlin was moments away from a historic draw in their first-ever Champions League match, but Real Madrid once again found a way to secure victory in the dying moments of the game.