Jude Bellingham was substituted during Real Madrid’s draw at Bayern Munich because the forward had cramp and “things needed to change”, Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has said.
England international Bellingham, who suffered from gastroenteritis last week, has provided four goals and four assists in nine appearances in the Uefa Champions League this season but was replaced by Luka Modric with 15 minutes remaining and Madrid trailing 2-1 in Munich.
“Jude had some cramp,” Ancelotti explained to Movistar. “When I made the substitutions, I was looking for fresh legs.
“Things needed to change and we had resources on the bench I wanted to use. Now we are in a great position in the league and in this semi-final too – now we have to give everything in order to reach [the final at] Wembley.”
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Vinicius Junior scored his second goal of the game with a penalty seven minutes from time as the Liga leaders ensured their home second leg next Wednesday will start with the aggregate score 2-2.
The 14-time European champions had taken a 24th-minute lead when Vinicius Junior capitalised on Toni Kroos’ inspired pass but Bayern turned the scoreline around with two goals in five second-half minutes through Leroy Sane and a Harry Kane penalty.
Madrid v Bayern: ‘You have to suffer’
“With Kroos’ help, we managed the ball well and Bayern didn’t actually press our possession too much,” said Ancelotti.
“There were spaces. We expected them to play a high line, they did and between Toni and Vinicius, we took advantage with that first goal. Fantastic pass, fantastic finish.
🎙️ @ToniKroos: “The return leg at the Bernabéu is going to be the most important match of the season.”#UCL pic.twitter.com/Qy7IrrO5AF
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 30, 2024
“In the first half we had to defend but we did it without the intensity I wanted. They went ahead in the second half but I thought we pressed better then.
“My overall impression was that we were pretty comfortable but lacked our best intensity. For that reason, you have to suffer in a place like this – everyone in the world knows that.”
Madrid knocked out holders Manchester City on penalties in the quarter-finals and will be hoping for a less dramatic night in the decider against Bayern.
The winners will play Paris St-Germain or Borussia Dortmund in the final Stadium on June 1.
