In Madrid, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed confidence in the possibility of Jude Bellingham playing in the upcoming match against Braga, despite suffering a dislocated shoulder during the team’s last game against Rayo Vallecano. Bellingham has been performing exceptionally well for Real Madrid, having scored in all three of their Champions League games this season and also attaining 10 goals in 11 LaLiga games.
As a result of the scoreless draw with Rayo Vallecano, Real Madrid lost their position at the top of the table, with Girona moving two points ahead. Although Bellingham finished the game, his status for the Braga tie was uncertain due to his injury.
Ancelotti stated, “He hasn’t done all of the training, to avoid blows, but he’s felt good in his movements. He’ll probably play tomorrow but I’ll evaluate it with him tomorrow.”
Despite losing their top spot in Spain, Real Madrid is leading Champions League Group C with three wins, and a victory over Braga would secure qualification with two games to spare.
Ancelotti emphasized the importance of finishing the group stage in four games, stating “It would be important, at this stage of the season, to finish the group stage in four games.”
Regarding a comment made by former Barcelona player Carles Puyol about talking to Real forward Vinicius Jr about his attitude, Ancelotti responded, “If Puyol wants to talk to Vinicius, let him talk.” Additionally, Ancelotti acknowledged that Vinicius Jr may need to improve his attitude in certain circumstances but has been showing improvement overall.
In the previous match against Braga, Real Madrid secured a 2-0 lead, but Braga scored a goal in the 63rd minute, causing a tense ending to the game. Ancelotti noted that Braga created a lot of problems for his team in the last portion of the game.
Real Madrid leads Group C with nine points, followed by Napoli with six points, and Braga in third place with three points.
(Reporting by Trevor Stynes; Editing by Ken Ferris)
