Bellingham strikes on debut as Madrid beat Bilbao

Barcelona, Aug. 14: Jude Bellingham said "it was really special" to score on his Real Madrid debut in a 2-0 win at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday in their opening La Liga match. Despite concerns at both ends of the pitch, Carlo Ancelotti's side earned a convincing victory at the San Mames to kick off their title bid, with Rodrygo Goes opening the scoring.

Brazilian duo Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo worked well as a strike duo, with Bellingham in the No 10 role at the tip of a diamond midfield offering ample support. "It's really special, the most important thing is the win," Bellingham told Real Madrid TV.

It was Bellingham's name that stood out and the 20-year-old demonstrated why Madrid paid over 100 million euros ($110 million) for him. "I'm very happy to play with (Bellingham), he's a great player, and I'm sure he'll help us a lot this season," said Rodrygo.

Madrid took the lead before the half-hour mark when Dani Carvajal hooked the ball back to Rodrygo, who slotted past Unai Simon at his near post. 

The goalkeeper managed to force David Alaba's header onto the post and thwarted Vinicius after he burst into the box, but Bellingham soon added Madrid's second.

The England international netted in unorthodox fashion, volleying Alaba's corner into the ground and over Simon.Elsewhere Real Sociedad were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by Girona.

Newcastle hit Villa for five

Alexander Isak scored twice in Newcastle's 5-1 thrashing of Aston Villa to began their English Premier League on Saturday.

Newcastle finished fourth last season to qualify for the Champions League for the first time in 20 years and their rise under the control of the Saudi sovereign wealth fund shows no sign of stopping. Italian international Sandro Tonali enjoyed a dream debut as he fired the Magpies into the lead after just six minutes.

Villa equalised almost immediately through one of their own new signings Moussa Diaby.

But Unai Emery's men, who also ended last season strongly to qualify for Europe, collapsed after Isak restored Newcastle's lead. The Swedish striker calmly dinked home his second just before the hour mark.

Harvey Barnes then came off the bench to exemplify Newcastle's new-found strength in depth as the former Leicester winger teed up Callum Wilson to make it 4-1 and then rounded off the scoring himself in stoppage time to put Eddie Howe's men top of the table.

Arsenal began their Premier League title challenge by beating Nottingham Forest 2-1. Brighton shrugged off the absence of Moises Caicedo to thrash newcomers Luton 4-1. Luton were making their top-flight return after 31 years, having risen from the fifth tier of English football in the past 10 seasons.

Everton's need for a striker was laid bare as the Toffees wasted numerous chances in losing 1-0 at home to Fulham. Bobby Decordova-Reid scored the only goal at Goodison Park 17 minutes from time.

Crystal Palace were also 1-0 victors at promoted Sheffield United thanks to Odsonne Edouard's second-half strike.

West Ham began life without Rice with a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth as Dominic Solanke's equaliser for the home side cancelled out Jarrod Bowen's opener. (AFP/AP)