Why Jude Bellingham failing to score is ‘not surprising’ to Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti despite England star previously matching goal efforts of Cristiano Ronaldo

The England international has been a revelation for Los Blancos on the back of his €103 million (£89m/$113m) transfer from Borussia Dortmund last summer. He has found the target on 17 occasions through 22 appearances – with those efforts seeing him match the return of Santiago Bernabeu icon Cristiano Ronaldo at one stage.

Antonio Rudiger netted the winner for Real in their La Liga clash with Mallorca, as they returned to action after the winter break in Spain, meaning Bellingham has now gone two games without a goal. Ancelotti said of the 20-year-old’s efforts: “It’s not surprising that he doesn’t score goals. He has worked a lot and when he has scored the goals it has been a plus. He has lacked a little freshness, like Rodrygo and Vini Jr.”

Bellingham has been nursing a shoulder complaint, which is having to be carefully managed, while Brazil international Vinicius Junior has been absent since mid-November with a hamstring injury. Ancelotti added on having the South American forward back against Mallorca, and why he did not play the full 90 minutes: “The change was agreed. He had a major injury and the question was whether to start the game or leave later. He played 60 minutes and they came in handy.”

Another victory for Real has kept them at the Liga summit – albeit on goal difference – with Los Blancos and co-leaders Girona now 10 points clear of a title-chasing pack that includes cross-city rivals Atletico Madrid and Clasico foes Barcelona.