Watch: Sancho applauds as Jude Bellingham gets goal & assist in UEL
Manchester United transfer target Jude Bellingham struck home a fine equalising goal for Dortmund at Ibrox as the German side look to avenge last week’s first-leg defeat to progress into the last 16 of the Europa League.
When James Tavernier converted from the penalty spot to open the scoring for Rangers on home turf, the tie seemed beyond the grasp of Dortmund with a three-goal deficit to overturn.
On the half hour mark, Bellingham had other ideas. The highly-coveted teenager drew the match level adding to the goal he notched against Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side at Signal Iduna Park.
The 18-year-old was the beneficiary of a Connor Goldston mistake as the ball dropped for him in the box to finish with aplomb.
Donyell Malen’s goal before half-time meant Dortmund were within a goal of restoring parity in what has been a blockbuster two-legged tie, but Tavernier’s second of the game has the hosts firmly back in the driving seat.
“There’s a bit of hope because we have the second leg and there’s not one person in that changing room that’s going to give up – and I won’t let them,” Bellingham told BT Sport following last Thursday’s defeat.
“We’re going to go there and give everything. We know how hard it’s going to be.
“For me personally, I can’t wait to play at Ibrox. It’s one of the best stadiums in Europe, in my opinion, when it’s packed on European nights. So, bring it on.”
The goal and the assist were enough for United forward and former Dortmund man Jadon Sancho to praise the performance from his England team-mate.
He couldn't wait to play at Ibrox. Now Jude Bellingham has a goal in Glasgow! 💪
The 18-year-old Englishman is having a say in this Europa League tie!#UEL pic.twitter.com/wzO4hLqPPW
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 24, 2022
Jude Bellingham, what a player. ✨
— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) February 24, 2022