Los Blancos booked themselves another shot at major silverware – having already collected the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup this season – when seeing off Real Mallorca 3-0 in the Supercopa de Espana semi-finals.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
England international Bellingham was on target in that contest, as he opened the scoring just past the hour mark, with a stoppage-time own goal and 95th-minute effort from Rodrygo making the final scoreline slightly more comfortable for Real.
WHAT ANCELOTTI SAID
The reigning Spanish champions did, however, see Valverde forced off 15 minutes from the end. Bellingham then pulled up with a muscular problem late on, and Ancelotti told reporters afterwards when asked about the decision to replace Uruguayan midfielder Valverde: “He had an adductor strain, like Bellingham. It was an unexpectedly hot game, it was very hot… and it could have affected both of them.”
WHAT NEXT?
Real have just two days to prepare for a Clasico clash with arch-rivals Barca that will see another trophy fall within reach for both clubs. It remains to be seen whether Bellingham – with nine goals through his last 12 appearances – is fit enough to figure in that contest.
Source: Goal.com
