Real Madrid’s record without Jude Bellingham tells a story no one can expect | OneFootball

At first glance, Jude Bellingham’s absence might seem like a major setback for Real Madrid. After all, the midfielder has been one of the team’s most influential players this season.

However, a deeper look into the statistics presents a rather surprising perspective. Despite missing just six out of Real Madrid’s 40 matches across all competitions, the team has managed to perform exceptionally well in his absence.

Their record in those games stands at five victories and just one draw, indicating that the squad has been able to cope effectively without him.

Matches Bellingham missed

Back in mid-August, Bellingham suffered a foot injury during a training session, which sidelined him for nearly a month. As a result, he was unavailable for four matches, yet Real Madrid maintained their high standards.

They secured convincing wins against Valladolid, Real Sociedad, and Real Betis, with the only blemish being a draw against Las Palmas.

Following his recovery, Bellingham went on to play 25 consecutive matches, consistently featuring in the starting lineup. He remained ever-present until January, when Ancelotti decided to rest him for the Copa del Rey clash against Deportiva Minera.

Jude Bellingham will not play against Girona. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

The manager’s decision was purely precautionary, given the demanding fixture schedule. Shortly after, Bellingham faced another minor issue when he received a knock to the back of his left thigh during a match against Girona.

Although he was substituted as a precaution, he missed the quarterfinal tie against Leganes in the Copa del Rey.

Despite Madrid struggling in that game, they eventually secured qualification for the semi-finals after a dramatic extra-time winner.

Better without Bellingham?

Interestingly, Real Madrid’s attacking efficiency seems to improve when Bellingham is not on the field. The team averages 2.4 goals per match when he plays, whereas that number rises to 2.7 when he is absent.

This statistic suggests that while Bellingham’s presence brings undeniable quality, his absence does not necessarily hinder Madrid’s attacking output. Instead, it forces other players to step up and contribute more to the team’s offensive efforts.

While Bellingham remains a key figure in Ancelotti’s setup, Real Madrid have proven that they are not entirely dependent on him.