Why Jude Bellingham was subbed during Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final first-leg clash with Bayern Munich as Carlo Ancelotti provides update

Bellingham was withdrawn 15 minutes before the end of Real's 2-2 draw in Munich, leaving the pitch when his team were still chasing an equaliser after Leroy Sane and Harry Kane had turned things around following Vinicius Junior's record-equalling opener. It was a blow to lose the England midfielder after 21 goals and 10 assists in 36 appearances so far this season, but he had been physically struggling since the hour mark.

Ancelotti said: "Jude Bellingham was not at the best level tonight, but the same for the entire team. Bellingham got cramps after 60 minutes, so I had to substitute him."

Bellingham had sat out Real Madrid's La Liga win over Real Sociedad last Friday due to a stomach illness. He wasn't initially named in the travelling squad but still joined his team-mates in San Sebastian and remained an unused substitute. That absence may explain why he wasn't himself in Germany.

With Real Madrid to face Bayern Munich at home in just eight days' time, there is every chance that Bellingham could be allowed additional time to rest and recover by sitting out the weekend visit of Cadiz in La Liga. Los Blancos lead the way domestically and have an 11-point cushion over Barcelona with only 15 left to play for, which gives Ancelotti the freedom to rest a number of starters, as had been the case against Real Sociedad.

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