The only bad news from Real Madrid in the tie against Manchester City in the Champions League playoffs was Jude Bellingham. He received a yellow card and will not be able to play in the first leg of the round of 16 against Atlético de Madrid. A very sensitive loss for Real Madrid, for which Carlo Ancelotti has apparently already found a solution.

Brahim won't be a starter against Atlético de Madrid

Fortunately (or unfortunately, given recent events), Ancelotti has been able to make several experiments in LaLiga without Jude Bellingham, since he was sent off on February 15 against Osasuna and has been unavailable for the last two matches Real Madrid played against Girona and Betis.

Jude Bellingham's substitute in both matches has been Brahim Díaz, who showed very good performances against Girona… but not as much against Betis, despite scoring the only goal for Real Madrid. Especially because Brahim doesn't offer as much defensive work and coverage as Bellingham, leaving the midfield somewhat exposed when Real Madrid doesn't have the ball.

Camavinga will be Bellingham's substitute

Real Madrid's performance in the defeat against Betis was one of the worst they've shown all season… and Carlo Ancelotti made this clear in the press conference: “We deserved to lose because we didn't play at our level. If we play like this against Atlético de Madrid, we won't win.” There's no doubt that changes will be made in the lineup. Therefore, if Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé are untouchable… Brahim will go to the bench.

Thus, various media in Spain have been reporting that Ancelotti's decision to replace Jude Bellingham against Atlético de Madrid will be to place Camavinga alongside Tchouaméni and Modric in midfield. A much more conservative approach than the bet on Brahim, who will have to wait for his opportunity to change the game from the bench.