Jude Bellingham followed up a match-winning strike against Juventus in midweek with another decisive goal for Real Madrid against El Clasico rivals Barcelona. However, the England international could come crashing back down to earth as he has risked punishment with his actions during the hotly-contested clash on Sunday.
Bellingham put Los Blancos back in front by tapping in from close range following an Eder Militao header across the Barcelona box. Kylian Mbappe had put the hosts in front early on after seeing his first strike disallowed for offside. Fermin Lopez linked up with the impressive Marcus Rashford to equalise before Bellingham's close-range winner.
Shortly after the game, the England international took to social media to fire a shot at Lamine Yamal, who was involved in a heated bust-up with Vinicius Jr after the full-time whistle. That wasn't Bellingham's only controversial moment on Sunday evening, as he looks to have repeated a gesture that landed him in trouble previously.
Jude Bellingham at Risk of La Liga Punishment After El Clasico
Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe celebrating after Real Madrid score against Barcelona
During the Three Lions' run to the final of Euro 2024, their star midfielder was almost ruled out of a key knockout round match. Bellingham scored a late overhead kick against Slovakia in the Round of 16, but risked suspension for the next game by gesturing towards his crotch while looking in the direction of the opposition bench.
UEFA handed him a £30,000 fine and a one-match ban, which was 'subject to a probationary period of one year, starting from the date of the present decision'. This meant he would only serve the suspension if there was another incident in the next year.
Per Mail Sport, Bellingham repeated the gesture with his tongue stuck out following the full-time whistle of the dramatic win vs Barca. At the time of the England incident, Bellingham publicly defended himself, saying:
"An inside joke gesture towards some close friends who were at the game. Nothing but respect for how that Slovakia team played tonight."
The decision now lies with the Spanish top-flight and the country's Football Association to decide whether they sanction the 22-year-old. Gareth Bale offended Atletico Madrid fans in 2019 with a 'corte de mangas' gesture, but escaped punishment. Therefore, there is a precedent set and Bellingham could escape punishment.
Real Madrid's next fixture comes on Saturday, when they welcome Villarreal to the Santiago Bernabeu. Xabi Alonso's men then travel to England to face Liverpool in one of the biggest Champions League clashes of the season.