Jude Bellingham absence splits Spanish media before Benfica v Real Madrid | OneFootball

Jude Bellingham sustained a left thigh complaint in Real Madrid’s 2-1 league win at Rayo Vallecano on Sunday. According to Glorioso 1904, early indications point to the England international missing both legs of the Champions League play-off against Benfica on 17 and 25 February. The prospect of his absence has split opinion in Spain.

Marco Ruiz of As argued it could help Madrid’s balance, with coaches still searching for the best way to accommodate Kylian Mbappé, who he noted is neither a midfielder nor an out-and-out striker. He suggested the team might be more cohesive without Bellingham.

Sergio Horas of El Desmarque took the opposite view, saying the injury had arrived at the worst time because Bellingham was beginning to resemble his first-season form, arriving in the box and scoring. He also noted the timing amid strong scrutiny from some supporters over his off-field life and perceived dips in intensity.

The 22-year-old is in his third campaign with the Spanish club and has six goals and four assists in 28 appearances this season. He began 2025/26 later following surgery on his left shoulder last July. Even so, he is Madrid’s third-top scorer, behind Mbappé on 37 and Vinícius Júnior on eight.

For the first leg, Madrid are also without Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo, both suspended after red cards in the final league-phase match at the Luz, which Benfica won 4-2. Injured Éder Militão is unavailable too. Álvaro Carreras is part of the Madrid side.

Source: Glorioso 1904