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Real Madrid3 - 0Pachuca

sportsmole.co.uk, 19 December 2024, 13:03
Jude Bellingham reportedly suffered a thigh issue during Real Madrid's FIFA Intercontinental Cup win over Pachuca on Wednesday.

Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior were on the scoresheet in the final, as Carlo Ancelotti's side claimed their second trophy of the 2024-25 campaign courtesy of a 3-0 success over their Mexican opponents.

Bellingham played 88 minutes of the contest before being replaced, and there was immediately concern surrounding a potential injury problem when he was pictured limping after the final whistle in Qatar.

According to journalist Miguel Angel Diaz, the England international picked up a thigh problem against Pachuca, suggesting that he is a doubt for this weekend's La Liga contest with Sevilla.

Bellingham, who continues to manage a long-standing shoulder issue, has been in excellent form of late, with his numbers this season currently standing at seven goals and six assists in 20 appearances, but the 21-year-old now faces being absent for his side's final match of 2024.

Bellingham 'suffered thigh injury' against Pachuca

Vinicius was asked about his teammate shortly after the final whistle on Wednesday, and he said: "I think it's nothing. He was able to play the whole game. I'll talk to him now. Hopefully it's nothing and we hope he can be with us for the game against Sevilla."

Real Madrid will not take any chances when it comes to Bellingham's fitness, though, and it remains to be seen whether he is cleared to take to the field against Sevilla on Sunday.

The former Birmingham City youngster has scored in each of his last six La Liga appearances against Osasuna, Leganes, Getafe, Athletic Bilbao, Girona and Rayo Vallecano during an excellent run of form.

Real Madrid will again be missing Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Ferland Mendy for their next match, while Vinicius is suspended, but Mbappe returned from injury against Pachuca last time out.

Ancelotti opens up on successful 2024 for Real Madrid

Ancelotti made history on Wednesday, as he became Real Madrid's most decorated head coach of all time on 15 trophies, and the Italian discussed what has been a successful 2024 after the clash with Pachuca.

"It has been a fantastic year. We have had various difficulties and we continue to have them, such as the injuries to [Thibaut] Courtois, Militao, and Carvajal," he told reporters.

"We have finished the year very well and that gives us the confidence and motivation to try to continue having very good results in 2025. The history, the tradition of the club, and the quality of the players we have mean that we have to try to win all the competitions. That is our objective: to try to compete.

"We have had the luck, the commitment, and the strength to win so many titles in 2024. That fills us with confidence to continue competing in 2025.

"It's an honor (to win 15 trophies at Real Madrid). It's the club that all coaches want to coach because it's the best in the world. Winning titles at Real Madrid is easier than winning them elsewhere. It's a fantastic club, with a squad of the best players in the world and fantastic fans. It's not easy to win titles, but it's easier to win them here."

Real Madrid are currently third in the La Liga table, one point behind leaders Barcelona, who have played a game more.

Written by

Matt Law

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