Real Madrid News
Rival watch: Manchester City duo likely to be available for Real Madrid UCL clash
After falling behind in the race for the league title, Real Madrid will look to make up for things in the UEFA Champions League as they take on Manchester City on Wednesday.
This will be the first leg of the two-legged Round of 16 clash, with Real Madrid coming on the back of a win over SL Benfica in the knockout playoffs.
Heading into this game, there was much doubts surrounding the availability of two key Man City stars in the form of Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland.
Haaland and Doku likely to play vs Real Madrid
However, according to Sky Sports (h/t Madrid Zone), both Haaland and Doku will be available for the first leg against Real Madrid.
Haaland had a minor training knock and missed the Premier League win at Leeds United. Pep Guardiola was cautious in his updates but confirmed recovery.
His return will serve as a massive boost for Manchester City, having been the club’s top goalscorer this season with 29 goals in all competitions.
Real Madrid, in contrast, will miss their own top scorer, Kylian Mbappe, due to injury, joining Rodrygo on the sidelines, though reports suggest he might be fit in time to feature in the second leg fixture.
Doku, meanwhile, should be available, too. The Belgian has been injured since January, but has recently returned to matchday action against Leeds United.
The explosive attacker should be available at the disposal of Pep Guardiola this midweek. Doku has been involved in 14 goals in all competitions and could pose problems for the Real Madrid backline.
However, it will be interesting to see if either of the two start against Real Madrid, considering the fact that Man City have more than enough alternatives.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar returns from the break in top form after stellar displays with national team
Jude Bellingham has been undisputedly one of the star performers in the UEFA Nations League so far, in this international break.
Bellingham started with a valiant effort in the defeat to Spain, before starring in the 7-0 win over Croatia. Last night, he was on fire once again, helping England secure a 3-0 victory over Czechia.
As club football resumes this weekend, it is fair to say that Bellingham will be one of the most in-form players at Real Madrid.
Bellingham on fire
Bellingham’s spectacular form has continued throughout the international break, with the midfielder registering one goal and four assists in four matches for England.
The standout display came against Croatia, where he produced a goal and three assists in the emphatic 7-0 win.
He made England history with that four-goal contribution, creating five chances and completing four dribbles while boasting a 100 percent pass accuracy.
Against Spain, he was comfortably England’s best player, assisting Anthony Gordon’s opener and leading the attacks.
In the final game against the Czech Republic, it was Harry Kane who stole the show with a brace on his record-equalling 125th cap, but Bellingham once again started as an undisputed figure in Tuchel’s side.
The Englishman has shown no signs of his form being a mirage, having rediscovered his best since being handed a free attacking role.
A key figure for Real Madrid
Bellingham’s resurgence is a hugely positive sign for Real Madrid, who have struggled for consistency this season.
Operating as a number 10 with freedom to roam, the 22-year-old has already scored three goals for the club, making him the second-highest scorer behind Kylian Mbappe, while also leading the team for assists.
His current scoring rate of one every 206 minutes is not far off his brilliant debut campaign.
That form has drawn widespread praise, with Roy Keane tipping him to become one of the greatest of all time, while Jermaine Defoe backed him to become England’s next captain.
For Jose Mourinho, having Bellingham firing on all cylinders is a massive boost. With a demanding run of fixtures ahead, including El Clasico, the Englishman’s leadership and quality could prove decisive as Real Madrid look to close the gap on Barcelona.
