Does Jude Bellingham play today? Where to watch Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16

Real Madrid faces Manchester City this Wednesday, March 11, at 9pm (Madri local time), at Estádio Santiago Bernabéu, in the first leg of the Liga round of 16 of the UEFA Campeões. The absence of Jude Bellingham, a key player in midfield, represents a significant blow for the Whites. The Englishman is recovering from a hamstring injury suffered at the beginning of February against Rayo Vallecano and will not participate in the clash. Real Madrid seeks to overcome losses and gain an advantage at home, while Manchester City arrives more complete and with favoritism due to the stability of the squad.

Jude Bellingham has been sidelined since the beginning of February due to a hamstring injury. The midfielder underwent tests and began an accelerated recovery process with advanced biomechanical analysis at Valdebebas. The club tried to prepare him for the duel, but the injury proved to be more complex than expected, with a relapse that prolonged the period of absence. Initial expectations pointed to a possible return in the second leg, but sources indicate that the derby against Atlético of Madrid, on March 22nd, appears as a more realistic date.

The absence of Bellingham worsens the situation of Real Madrid, who is already dealing with multiple absences in the squad. The player contributes with goals, assists and intensity in midfield, being essential in transitions and creating plays. Sem him, the team loses balance and offensive strength, forcing the coach Álvaro Arbeloa to improvise in the playmaking and high pressure. The Englishman has accumulated important minutes in the Champions League this season, with decisive appearances in previous matches.

Where to watch live and stream online

The match will be broadcast exclusively live on HBO Max on Brasil, with full coverage including pre-game from 4pm (Brasília time). No Reino Unido, the game goes to TNT Sports 1 and Prime Video. Nos Estados Unidos, the option is Paramount+. Platforms include expert narration, replays and post-game analysis for fans.

Probable lineups

Real Madrid must enter with Courtois in goal, Alexander-Arnold on the right flank, Asencio and Rüdiger in defense, In the middle, Valverde and Tchouaméni form the base, with Güler in the frame, while Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García lead the attack. The scheme seeks to compensate for the absence of Bellingham with greater defensive compactness and speed in transitions.

Manchester City lines up Donnarumma in goal, with a defense made up of Nunes, Dias and Guéhi. Rodri commands the midfield alongside Bernardo Silva, with Cherki, O’Reilly and Haaland in attack, supported by Semenyo. The team prioritizes possession of the ball and high pressure to exploit the opponent’s weaknesses.

Impact of the absence of Bellingham

Bellingham stands out for his versatility and contributions in both phases of the game. Sem in English, Real Madrid depends more on Valverde and Tchouaméni to control the midfield. Analistas point out that the low makes the matchup more challenging, especially against an Manchester City that maintains high yield and strong bench options.

Recent clash history

The teams face each other for the fifth consecutive season in the knockout stages of the Champions. In the group stage of this edition, Manchester City won 2-1 at Bernabéu. Bellingham has scored in past editions, including decisive goals in previous clashes, which increases the relevance of his current absence.

Results of the last 5 games of each team

Real Madrid has mixed results in domestic and European competitions. Injuries, including that of Bellingham, impact the team’s consistency. Manchester City maintains a positive streak, with convincing victories that reinforce confidence for the knockout duel.

Curiosities and arbitration

Referee Maurizio Mariani, from Itália, referees the game, with VAR Marco Di Bello, also Italian. The temperature in Madri is around 15-16°C, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain, favorable conditions for a technical and intense game.

Tickets and stadium

Santiago Bernabéu receives around 83 thousand fans. Ingressos sold out quickly for the visiting and general sectors due to the appeal of the confrontation. The local fans create a pressuring atmosphere from the start.

Guesses and analysis

Manchester City is the favorite due to its greater stability and the absence of Bellingham in Real Madrid. Vinícius Júnior and Courtois need high performances to balance. The game promises intensity, with the potential for goals due to the teams’ offensive power.

The clash continues next week at Etihad Stadium, where Manchester City seeks to confirm qualification for the quarter-finals of UEFA’s Liga of Campeões.