Real Madrid faces a tough challenge as they enter their Champions League match against Atletico Madrid without their star midfielder Jude Bellingham due to suspension. This significant absence comes after Bellingham received a yellow card in the team’s recent victory over Manchester City, triggering a one-match suspension that leaves coach Carlo Ancelotti to rethink his midfield lineup.

Bellingham’s absence compounds existing midfield issues for Madrid as they also miss Dani Ceballos due to injury. Luka Modric and Eduardo Camavinga, likely to step up in Bellingham’s place, will need to perform essential roles in both offense and defense. The team’s strategy moving forward is overshadowed by questions about whether the substitutes can match Bellingham’s contributions this season, where he’s netted 11 goals and provided 11 assists.

In the return leg scheduled for next week, Bellingham will be back in action, as suspensions are cleared ahead of the quarterfinals. The stakes remain high, with several players in danger of missing further matches if they receive yellow cards during upcoming games.