Jude Bellingham Criticized as Real Madrid Falters in El Clásico Defeat to Barcelona
Jude Bellingham’s recent performance for Real Madrid has sparked controversy, especially following the team's recent 4-0 loss to Barcelona in El Clásico. The Spanish press, particularly Marca , has sharply criticized the English midfielder, describing him as a "shadow of his former self" after a game where the team was thoroughly defeated. This assessment contrasts starkly with the praise he received last season, when Bellingham’s impact was significant as he scored crucial goals for Real Madrid, including a memorable last-minute winner against Barcelona. This season, however, things have not gone as well. Bellingham’s goal drought is raising eyebrows and has become a focal point of fan and media attention, with analysts pointing the finger not at the player himself but at how he’s being deployed on the field.
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In this match, manager Carlo Ancelotti’s tactics drew particular criticism. Spanish media contend that Bellingham has been misused, often placed out wide and forced into a role that occasionally resembles that of a full-back. Critics argue that this positioning prevents him from utilizing his strengths, including his finishing and attacking instincts. Marca journalist Juan Ignacio García-Ochoa captured the sentiment by stating that Bellingham “gives his all” but fails to shine when constrained by unfamiliar positions. The contrast is stark between Bellingham’s 23 goals last season and his current struggle to find the net nearly three months into the season.
Adding to the frustration of Real Madrid supporters was Barcelona’s impressive display led by Robert Lewandowski, who scored twice, and 17-year-old Lamine Yamal, who also made headlines with his confident play and a well-taken goal. Yamal, already a breakout talent with the Spanish national team, further reinforced his reputation as one to watch, dazzling the Bernabéu crowd and making an emphatic statement in one of football’s most prestigious fixtures. Marca heaped praise on Yamal, labeling him as “a chosen one” for his ability to thrive on the big stage.
There was also controversy beyond the game itself, with Real Madrid taking a firm stance against racist abuse reportedly directed at Yamal by a section of their own supporters. The club announced that it would launch an investigation to identify those responsible, underscoring a zero-tolerance approach to racism. La Liga also condemned the incident, pledging to work with authorities to address it and expressing its commitment to eradicating racism from Spanish football.
This heavy defeat marks Real Madrid’s first league loss in over a year, a point of pride that has now shifted into a period of reflection. While the match’s result places Barcelona atop La Liga with a six-point lead, the aftermath has brought a renewed focus on Real Madrid’s tactics and player positioning. It remains to be seen how Ancelotti will respond, but fans and media alike agree that adjustments are urgently needed to get players like Bellingham back to their best. With both critics and fans calling for a reset in Bellingham’s role, the next few games will be crucial in determining whether Ancelotti can turn things around and restore the English star’s impact on the field.
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