Real Madrid’s Recent Struggles and Jude Bellingham’s Return

Real Madrid appears to have lost their formidable presence in big games, with recent heavy defeats on the rise. The club suffered an alarming 5-2 loss to rivals Atlético Madrid, marking their heaviest derby defeat in 75 years. They also faced heavy defeats last season against Barcelona, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain, leading Spanish media to suggest the team has lost its once-invincible aura and now faces significant challenges.

Jude Bellingham made his first start of the season over the weekend after recovering from a shoulder surgery in July. Despite initial criticism claiming he looked “not fit enough” for a physical fixture, it’s considered unfair to judge him solely based on this performance, given he hadn’t played in nearly three months.

Many pundits argue that Bellingham was not at his best during the match, with reports emphasizing he appeared “lost” on the field. Still, this setback is seen in the context of his recent return from injury, having played a limited role initially off the bench in previous games.

Experts note that Madrid’s confidence in big matches has diminished. Marca highlighted that the team’s once-feared resilience is waning, especially during high-stakes encounters where they now seem more vulnerable than ever. Atlético Madrid particularly dominated in individual duels, exposing Madrid’s fragility in critical moments. This raises concerns about Madrid’s ability to maintain their elite status when conditions are toughest.

Despite these setbacks, Madrid remains second in La Liga after their only loss of the season, with all other matches won. Still, the pressure to perform is intense, and even modest mistakes are heavily scrutinized in Madrid’s demanding environment.

Bellingham, who impacted Madrid positively last season with 23 goals and 13 assists in his debut campaign, has been working on regaining his top form. Post-surgery, he’s focused on slimming down and enhancing his agility to better fit the high-energy, pressing style mandated by coach Xabi Alonso. His injury occurred during a match in November 2023 when he dislocated his shoulder, but he helped Madrid reach the semi-finals of the Club World Cup this summer before addressing the injury properly.

Jude Bellingham was criticized for his performance against Atletico Madrid, highlighting Madrid’s ongoing challenges.