The Englishman, who was a substitute yesterday at the Bernabéu, led the reaction and Arbeloa no longer has any reason to leave him on the bench in the second leg.

Bellingham did not finally return to the starting eleven last night at the Bernabeu and was left on the bench after Arbeloa said in the press room that Madrid were better with the Englishman and that he would have minutes, without specifying whether he would start or not. Well, he was again a substitute. In hindsight it is always easier, but given what he contributed in the second half he should have been a starter.

The truth is that the presence of the Englishman was then key to a great second half that was not enough to come back. Thiago Pitarch, who did not have his best night, and Valverde, who was not the Valverde of the great nights, returned to the midfield. Güler was more in tune and the homegrown player ended up empty after running non-stop behind the Germans.

Militao also in the starting eleven and perhaps Mendy

Looking ahead to the return leg in Munich, where Madrid will have to do a feat to get into the semi-finals against this Bayern side, the return of the Englishman is undoubtedly one more reason to believe. Arbeloa has made it clear that Jude is vital, so his substitution would only be explained so far by the lack of rhythm after coming off the injury and the good feelings that Thiago had left. But given what happened last night, he is undoubtedly a player for the Allianz. Yesterday he put a good pass into the gap to Mbappé on a counterattack. He gave more packaging to the team. He took the ball from the base, reached the counterattack breaking lines with his stride and found the forwards. A match that will also serve to gain confidence.

The other good news, although it was already seen in Mallorca, is the evolution of Militao. He was also a substitute, but to withstand the hurricane that awaits Madrid in Munich, it is very likely that Militao will already enter the eleven. He would do it for Huijsen, who yesterday suffered the unspeakable, although like almost everyone else. Also Carreras, although he had the worst possible partner, the Frenchman Michael Olise.

For the return leg next Wednesday, there may be another novelty at the back. Mendy already trained last Tuesday with the group and will try to make it to the event in seven days' time. It is worth risking, because with the league lost, everything can end up at the Allianz. (MARCA, 2026-04-08)