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MEDIA BACKFLIP: JUDE BELLINGHAM SILENCES CRITICS AFTER LIVERPOOL SWAP RUMORS
Real Madrid's media performed a 180 on Jude Bellingham after his strong showing in a left-midfield role, praising him as the "glue" of the team.
Real Madrid's media had some strong words for Jude Bellingham just days ago, but now they're singing a different tune after rumors surfaced of a possible swap deal with Liverpool involving Alexis Mac Allister.
Bellingham, like a few Real Madrid players this season under Xabi Alonso, hasn't been at his usual top form. Under Carlo Ancelotti, he had the freedom to move into the penalty area and score goals consistently. However, since Alonso took over as manager last season, replacing Ancelotti, that hasn't been the case.
The Real Madrid media is quick to criticise players when their performance drops. Bellingham faced their fire after Los Blancos' 1-1 draw with Girona.
Maria Jose Hostalrich, a journalist for Marca, said Alonso should get rid of Bellingham, arguing that the team plays better without him.
Tomas Roncero from AS mentioned on Cadena SER that Bellingham is missing and that the 22-year-old is still trying to figure out his best position.
All this happened while rumours were circulating about Bellingham moving to Liverpool in exchange for Alexis Mac Allister.
Defensa Central, a news source focused on Real Madrid, claimed that Liverpool had already contacted Bellingham's agent and father, Mark Bellingham.
However, this report should be viewed skeptically since no other sources have confirmed it. The report stated that Bellingham is clear about wanting to stay at Madrid, and the club isn't interested in offers for him.
Bellingham responded to the criticism with a strong performance in Real Madrid's 3-0 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
Alonso played Bellingham on the left side of midfield, and Marca changed its opinion.
The publication noted that Bellingham's most complete performance in a long time played a key role in Real Madrid's win.
They added, With a more defined role as a midfielder, he shone in both building the play and connecting with the forwards, as well as in defence, where he tirelessly won the ball back and blocked Athletic's passes.
“The Englishman must understand he can enjoy a starring role in this team without needing to score goals or hover around the box as an attacking midfielder, but rather as the glue that holds the team’s play together. And he’s not incompatible with Guler. That’s a task Xabi Alonso still needs to address, and yesterday he finally got some enjoyment after a very tough few weeks.”
AS also commented that Bellingham was brilliant in the first half but faded in the second, saying that it was hard to sustain that level of energy and influence.
“Xabi stationed him on the left in the 4-4-2 at San Mames, and Bellingham nailed the role—disciplined defensively, but popping up wherever the attack needed him in transition.”
Against Athletic, Bellingham didn't take any shots but made one key pass, according to WhoScored.
He had a passing accuracy of 92.9%, won two headers, had 76 touches on the ball, and completed two dribbles.
Notably, Bellingham made seven tackles, one interception, and three clearances in the game.
SELF-INFLICTED WOUNDS: ANALYTICAL LOOK AT TWO BLUNDERS COSTING XABI ALONSO'S JOB
Xabi Alonso's job is at risk after Real Madrid suffered a chaotic defeat to Man City, sealed by crucial errors from Courtois and Rudiger within seven minutes.
If this was the night Xabi Alonso's Real Madrid dream died, he'll leave the Bernabeu knowing the wounds were self-inflicted.
This game showed just how unpredictable football management can be.
Needing a win to relieve pressure after a shaky spell, Alonso's team seemed in control after Rodrygo's goal. Even without Mbappe, nursing a knee injury, Real was the better team. Man City looked strangely uncertain and couldn't get a grip on the game.
But goals can shift everything, mostly when a team's confidence is low.
Then came two quick errors: Courtois gifting O'Reilly an easy goal and Rudiger fouling Haaland for a penalty that was converted. Real went from control to chaos in seven minutes.
That’s how it stayed. As Real got nervous, City took over and secured a win that puts their Champions League fate in their own hands, with games against Bodo/Glimt and Galatasaray coming up.
As for Alonso, things look tough. After the game, following his team's fruitless late efforts, he shook Guardiola's hand and headed down the tunnel. The Real anthem played, but without the fans' voices, it felt like a funeral march, which may be how things turn out.
On paper, Real's season isn't a disaster. Slot at Liverpool would take it. They're second in LaLiga, four points behind Barcelona, and in the Champions League spots. But the mood in Madrid is bad, and Alonso's job might be at risk. This was their second loss to an English team in Europe, and they've only won two of their last eight games.
The city doesn't care about that. They came here with bad memories of past games at the Bernabeu and some doubts about their own European form. They left with their fate in their hands and deserved the win.
After equalizing, they were the better team and could have scored more.
Early on, they had to hang on. Real even had a penalty shout within two minutes after City lost the ball in midfield.
Real created an opening on the left, and when Nunes tripped Vinicius Junior, it looked like a clear penalty. It was given, but VAR showed the foul was just outside the box. Valverde's free kick went wide.
City struggled to get into the game and were vulnerable on the wings. Rodrygo found space on the right, and his cross to Vinicius Junior was well-timed. But Donnarumma should have done better than let Vinicius lift the ball over him and wide.
Real kept pressing and eventually scored. Silva lost a challenge, allowing Real to switch the ball and create an opening. Bellingham helped the ball to Rodrygo, who finished well.
City seemed in trouble, but a goalkeeping howler gave them a way back. Courtois pushed a header into O'Reilly's path, and he scored.
Then, a lifeline turned into an advantage. A city corner was cleared, but VAR spotted Rudiger pulling Haaland. Haaland scored the penalty, and City led.
Courtois then saved well from Haaland and Cherki, and in the second half from Silva and Doku. But his earlier mistake changed the game, and Real never recovered.
Bellingham missed a chance and took his frustration out on the advertising boards. Later on, there were a couple of headed chances that might have leveled the score on another day.
But this wasn't Alonso's day, and it might have been his last.
LEFT-BACK NIGHTMARE: REAL MADRID FACES DEFENSIVE VOID AFTER MASS SUSPENSIONS
An analysis of Real Madrid's suspension woes: Endrick's final La Liga match is confirmed, while defensive gaps force Coach Alonso to make tough tactical calls.
Real Madrid's recent loss to Celta Vigo wasn't just a simple defeat; the team is struggling right now. To make matters worse, four players are now suspended for upcoming games.
In the match against Celta Vigo, Fran Garcia received two yellow cards, while Alvaro Carreras and Endrick Felipe were ejected for arguing with the referee. Dani Carvajal, the team captain, was also noted for comments he made to the referee, even though he wasn't playing.
Now, all four players know their punishment. Carreras, Endrick, and Carvajal will each miss two games, while Garcia will only sit out one game because his sending off was due to two yellow cards, according to Sport.
This means all four will be out for the game against Alaves this weekend. Carreras, Endrick, and Carvajal will also miss the final game of 2025 against Sevilla.
The suspension hits Endrick harder since he's expected to leave Real Madrid for Lyon in January. This means his season with Real Madrid is likely over, unless he plays in the Champions League game against Manchester City or the Copa del Rey match against CF Talavera de la Reina.
For Carvajal, the suspension doesn't really change anything. He's still recovering from a knee injury and isn't expected back until January or February, so he wouldn't have been available for the Alaves or Sevilla games anyway.
Real Madrid probably won't have a natural left-back for the Alaves game since Ferland Mendy is injured. But Garcia will return for the Sevilla game the following weekend, which is some welcome news for coach Xabi Alonso.
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