Spain According to coach Carlo Ancelotti, besides Jude Bellingham, Real still has many players capable of scoring.
In more than 90 minutes against Rayo, Bellingham created three chances, had 89% accurate passes, completed three out of four dribbles, completed 100% of his long passes, completed 100% of his tackles and recovered the ball 10 times. He contributed to three of Real's 22 shots in the match, but together with his teammates, the midfielder could not create any breakthroughs.
After the match, when asked about Real being too dependent on Bellingham, coach Ancelotti replied: "No, we still have many other resources. Today, we created opportunities for Valverde, Vinicius, Joselu and Rodrygo. The problem is that the team was not sharp enough at that time."
According to Ancelotti, Real tried every attacking option, such as crosses, through balls, or central breakthroughs, but all failed. However, he affirmed that a 0-0 draw was entirely possible and the players understood that.
Bellingham (in white shirt) dribbles the ball during Real's 0-0 draw with Rayo at Bernabeu in round 12 of La Liga on the evening of November 5. Photo: Real Madrid
Ancelotti also dismissed concerns about Real's form, saying that losing one and drawing two of their opening 15 games in all competitions was normal for any big team. "We are hurt by the result, not the way we played," the Italian added. "In La Liga, we are fine. We are also playing well in the Champions League. There is no drama here."
Regarding Bellingham's shoulder injury, Ancelotti said Real will check further after the match. If he is okay, the English midfielder can continue playing in the match against Braga in the Champions League on November 8. In the first half, after a collision, Bellingham injured his left shoulder. However, after being bandaged, he continued to play the rest of the match.
Bellingham joined Real Madrid for $110 million from Dortmund in the summer. The 20-year-old midfielder has made his mark early, with 10 goals in 11 La Liga games and 13 in 14 games in all competitions. On October 28, Bellingham scored both goals in a 2-1 win over Barca. The English midfielder is leading Real's scoring charts, eight goals ahead of second-placed striker Joselu. He also leads the race for the La Liga Golden Boot, three goals ahead of second-placed Antoine Griezmann.
A 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano cost Real their lead at the top of La Liga. Girona are now top with 31 points, two ahead of Real, while Barca are third with 27 points.
This season, Real no longer has their main striker Karim Benzema. The player who scored 354 goals in 648 matches for Real moved to Al Ittihad in July. After failing to recruit Kylian Mbappe, the Bernabeu team only borrowed Joselu from last season's relegated team, Espanyol, to replace Benzema.
On October 30, at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, Bellingham received the Kopa Award for the best player under 21 of the year. The 20-year-old midfielder received 90 points, while Jamal Musiala was second with 42 points and Pedri was third with 33 points. Bellingham won the award for the first time, after finishing second to Pedri in 2021. The other three players who have won the award are Mbappe in 2018, De Ligt in 2019 and Gavi in 2022. The 2020 award was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Thanh Quy (according to ESPN )
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