Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2023-24Getty Images

‘Hey Jude!’ - Real Madrid fans welcome back Bellingham with special banner as he returns from suspension to face Athletic Club

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  • Bellingham returns after suspension
  • Was suspended for X-rated rant at referee
  • Madrid fans welcome him back with special banner
  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    The English midfielder made his long-awaited return to league action with Real Madrid after the 20-year-old was sent off against Valencia for his X-rated rant at the referee almost a month ago. He was then given a two-match ban which meant he missed the wins against Celta Vigo and Osasuna.

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  • THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Bellingham has quickly become a fan favourite at Santiago Bernabeu following his €103m (£88m/$110m) move last summer from Borussia Dortmund. The midfielder has surprisingly become the spearhead of Real Madrid's attack with Carlo Ancelotti deploying the youngster in a very advanced role due to their lack of a starting quality striker.

  • Carlo-Ancelotti(C)GettyImages

    DID YOU KNOW?

    The former Birmingham City man has scored 20 goals and provided nine assists for Los Blancos this season having played a total of 31 games. The goals have dried up for the Englishman towards the latter part of the season with Ancelotti slowly incorporating him into an outright midfielder, however, he remains an integral part of Madrid's set-up.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR BELLINGHAM?

    Bellingham will look to run through the paces in Ancelotti's setup as the club prepares for one of the toughest matches of their season when they take on Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-final on April 9 at the Bernabeu and April 17 at the Etihad Stadium.