Bellingham must step up for Real Madrid vs Man City after recent drop of form | OneFootball

The spotlight will shine on Real Madrid this evening as they take on Manchester City in the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.

Following a 3-3 draw in the first leg, Real Madrid face the daunting task of beating Man City at home. Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid will count on their top players to perform tonight.

Jude Bellingham, in particular, is one of the players in focus heading into this encounter. The talented midfielder has encountered a dip in form lately and must step up if Real Madrid are to move on from their woes against Pep Guardiola-managed teams.

Bellingham’s goalscoring rut

Formerly of Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham was by far Real Madrid’s best player during the first half of the campaign. In fact, he is still the club’s top scorer, with 20 goals in all competitions.

However, Bellingham has encountered a goalscoring rut, with the midfielder scoring just three league goals in this calendar year. Not to mention, all four of his Champions League goals have come during the group stages.

Despite his recent scoring struggles, it’s essential to recognize Bellingham’s multifaceted contributions to the team. While goals have died down, the midfielder has been involved more in other areas of the game.

Time to step up. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

Beyond his goal-scoring prowess, he remains a pivotal figure in Madrid’s midfield, orchestrating plays, and providing crucial assists.

His versatility and ability to impact the game in various phases have been invaluable assets to the team’s success. But it must be conceded that the former Dortmund starlet has not been able to replicate his performances from the first half of the campaign.

This has reflected in Real Madrid’s form as well, with Los Blancos notably allowing Barcelona to remain in the title race. The club also lost to Atletico Madrid in Copa Del Rey and now face a serious challenge against Man City in the UEFA Champions League.

Time to step it up against Manchester City

As the stage is set for tonight’s showdown, the pressure will be on Jude Bellingham to rediscover his scoring touch.

Facing a formidable opponent like Manchester City, who boast a wealth of talent and tactical sophistication, Real Madrid must be firing on all cylinders to secure a favourable result.

While Bellingham’s ability to orchestrate plays and provide assists is undoubtedly valuable, his goalscoring prowess could prove to be the decisive factor in unlocking City’s defence.

In Pep Guardiola’s meticulously structured system, City are adept at nullifying the threats posed by opposing attackers.

Although Man City did concede three goals in the first leg, the return leg at the Etihad could be different gravy altogether. Not to mention, the Premier League giants will be boosted by the return of the experienced Kyle Walker.

ith the likes of Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior likely to come under close scrutiny, Real Madrid will need someone to step up and seize the initiative in front of the goal. And that is where Bellingham could come into the fray.