Girona0 - 3Real Madrid

Bellingham has been back to his best in recent weeks, scoring in each of his last five La Liga appearances, including a goal against Girona, as the reigning champions recorded a 3-0 victory over their fellow Champions League outfit.

The England international was replaced in the 61st minute of the fixture, though, and there was immediate concern surrounding his fitness, as he was holding his upper left leg while in conversation with Real Madrid's medical staff.

Ancelotti was asked about Bellingham's fitness after the match and insisted that the ex-Birmingham City youngster is "fine", with the 21-year-old therefore set to be available against Atalanta BC next week.

The Real Madrid head coach also said that Ferland Mendy suffered a muscular problem against Girona, with the left-back set to miss the European contest with an in-form Atalanta outfit.

Ancelotti provides Bellingham, Mendy fitness update

"Bellingham is fine, he was a little tired, he preferred not to take risks in the last minutes. However, let's evaluate what Mendy has, it looks like something muscular. Mendy will not be in Bergamo," said Ancelotti during his post-match press conference.

Real Madrid are expected to receive a double fitness boot for the clash with Atalanta, as both Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo are likely to be available, but David Alaba, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga are still on the sidelines.

Mendy's blow was later addressed by Real Madrid, with a statement revealing: "Following tests carried out on Ferland Mendy today by Real Madrid's medical department, the player has been diagnosed with a muscular injury to his right quadriceps. His progress will be monitored."

Ancelotti delighted with Guler goal against Girona

Arda Guler scored Real Madrid's second goal against Girona, and Ancelotti was full of praise for the Turkey international, who is now off the mark for the 2024-25 campaign.

"It took him a while to get into the game, he worked hard, he wasn't successful in the first half, but in the second he scored a fantastic goal. What I want to highlight is his work, he runs a lot, and he helps the team," said the manager.

"The goal takes a little pressure off him, he's a young man with a lot of pressure around him and it's good for him to get rid of a little."

Guler is likely to find himself back on the bench against Atalanta in the Champions League, with both Vinicius and Rodrygo set to be back in the squad for the vital fixture on Italian soil.

Written by

Matt Law