As the Bernabeu became bedlam after Joselu's late heroics, Jude Bellingham made a beeline for his England skipper who had been substituted before Bayern Munich imploded

When Jude Bellingham made his way over to Harry Kane after the astonishingly dramatic finale to an epic Champions League semi-final, it was not the first time he had felt compelled to console his England captain.

After Kane - from the penalty spot - had missed an 84th minute chance to equalise against France in the World Cup quarter-final in 2022, Bellingham was the first and only player to go to the skipper and try and gee him up. Bellingham was 19 years of age at the time.

And after Real Madrid - thanks to two unlikely strikes from Joselu - had somehow crushed Kane’s trophy dreams for another club season, Bellingham again spoke to Kane as the Bernabeu continued in celebratory bedlam.

What was said in their hug will probably remain private but one thing is for sure … it was instinctive.

It would have been easy for Bellingham to become completely immersed in some understandably wild, joyous scenes but he had time for Kane. Not really a big deal? Any player would have done the same? Quite possibly.

But while his actions in the heat of battle have come under some critical scrutiny - he sledged Kane ahead of the Bayern penalty in the first leg - his selflessness after the final whistle and his consideration for others has earned Bellingham even more respect from Real Madrid fans.

It is becoming one of Bellingham’s traits to encourage Real fans to acknowledge those who provide assists for his goals and his team-mates appreciate the way he calls them out for post-match praise.

Amongst those team-mates, none is probably more grateful than Joselu, the unlikely hero of Real’s march to the Wembley final. Back in November in a group match against Napoli, Joselu had missed several chances before finally taking advantage of a brilliant Bellingham assist to score the final goal of Real’s 4-2 win.

Embarrassed that he had squandered so many opportunities, Joselu was reluctant to celebrate. But Bellingham pushed him towards the fans, urging the supporters to give him some acclaim and urging Joselu to take it.

Bellingham would later explain: “It's about pushing your teammate, your friend over the line. It was important for me to look for him more than anything. I'm so happy for him.”

And it is that attitude, that mentality - along, of course, with his prodigious talent - that has made him such a folk hero amongst Real supporters. In his first interview in the immediate aftermath of Real’s incredible triumph on Wednesday, Bellingham was keen to stress how much of a valuable squad member Joselu had been ALL season, not just on that landmark night.

Of course, that interview took place after his embrace and chat with Kane. The pair will meet up again when England gather for their Euro 2024 challenge … and the bond between two of Gareth Southgate’s main men will be that little bit stronger.