Jude Bellingham will be unavailable for Real Madrid’s Champions League showdown against Atletico Madrid due to suspension. The highly anticipated Madrid derby takes place in the last 16 of the tournament after Real eliminated Manchester City in the knockout play-off round.
Atletico had a smoother path to the last 16, finishing fifth in the group stage standings, which allowed them to bypass the additional knockout round. The first leg between the fierce rivals is set for Tuesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, with the return fixture at the Metropolitano on 12 March.
Bellingham’s absence stems from accumulating three yellow cards in the competition, the most recent of which came during Real’s second-leg victory over Manchester City for a foul on Phil Foden. Under UEFA regulations, three bookings result in a one-match suspension, meaning the 21-year-old will miss the home tie but can return for the away leg.
Champions League yellow card records reset after the quarter-finals, meaning any player carrying two bookings before that stage risks suspension. Several Real Madrid players Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Endrick—are on two yellow cards, meaning another caution against Atletico could see them miss the return leg.
Despite Bellingham’s suspension, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains confident in his squad’s ability to maintain their usual playing style. “I don’t think it’s going to change much,” Ancelotti said. “We have players who have rested, like Asensio and Camavinga, who could feature. We’re not going to alter our approach.”
Bellingham has recently developed a reputation for run-ins with officials. He was also suspended in La Liga after receiving a red card against Osasuna for allegedly using foul language. As a result, he served a two-match domestic ban, missing Real’s 2-0 win over Girona and their 2-1 defeat to Real Betis.
During his La Liga suspension, Bellingham shared a message on Instagram, posting a gym selfie with the caption: “Weekends without a game. Lesson learnt!” Now, he faces another brief spell on the sidelines as Real Madrid prepare for their European clash without him.
The England international later defended himself, claiming his words had been misinterpreted. “He believed I insulted him,” Bellingham explained. “But there was no intent to insult, and I think it was a misunderstanding.”