Joselu, the Real Madrid forward, offered an apology following his goal against Napoli in the Champions League.

Joselu, the Real Madrid forward, offered an apology following his goal against Napoli in the Champions League.

Joselu, the Real Madrid striker, expressed remorse to the fans at the Santiago Bernabeu after his goal in the triumph over Napoli.

 

Real encountered an early setback, trailing 1-0 against the Serie A champions after Giovanni Simeone’s early strike. However, they managed to secure a lead at halftime courtesy of goals from Rodrygo Goes and Jude Bellingham, the latter marking his 15th goal in 16 games for Los Blancos.

 

Napoli swiftly equalized just two minutes into the second half through Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, a former Fulham midfielder.

 

Jude Bellingham puts it on a plate for Joselu to seal victory for Real Madrid 🍽️#UCL pic.twitter.com/dgAZ88V4Vt

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 29, 2023

Nevertheless, Real reclaimed the lead in the 84th minute when 19-year-old Argentine talent Nico Paz, coming off the bench, found the net.

 

In stoppage time, Joselu, also a substitute, sealed the victory. However, his reaction after scoring was unexpected.

 

Despite the typical joy associated with scoring, the Spanish forward made a prayer gesture towards the fans. This action seemed to signify an apology from Joselu, possibly acknowledging missed chances earlier in the match.

 

Jude Bellingham, who provided the exquisite cross leading to Joselu’s goal, demonstrated his sportsmanship by urging Joselu toward the supporters, encouraging a special acknowledgment.

 

Subsequently, Joselu was surrounded by his jubilant teammates, clearly pleased for his achievement.

 

This marks Joselu’s second stint with Real Madrid, where he previously scored during his two appearances back in 2011. He showcased prolific form for the club’s Castilla team before venturing into the Bundesliga with clubs such as Hoffenheim, Eintracht Frankfurt, and Hannover, and subsequently making a move to Stoke.

 

His goal-scoring prowess was evident with 36 goals for Alaves before an impressive tally of 17 goals in 37 matches during a solitary season with Espanyol, despite the club’s relegation to the second tier.

 

Recruited on loan as a replacement for Karim Benzema, Joselu has notched six goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Real Madrid, leaving an impression as the club retains an option to secure his services permanently at the season’s end.