Bellingham central to Real Madrid European hopes

Football

Jude Bellingham is expected to lead the Real Madrid midfield against Bayern Munich in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final.

Real Madrid host Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie tonight. The Spanish side secured a late comeback during the first leg in Germany last week to remain level in the fixture. Midfielder Jude Bellingham provided the assist for the equalising goal in that match, according to Sky Sports.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Bellingham is available for the return fixture following a recent fitness concern. The England international has scored 20 goals across all competitions during his debut season in Spain, per statistics from ESPN. His contribution in the final third remains a primary focus for the home side's offensive strategy.

Bayern Munich arrive in Spain without several first-team players due to injury. The German club previously lost their domestic league title to Bayer Leverkusen, making European success their final opportunity for silverware this term. The winners of this tie will progress to the semi-final stage to face either Manchester City or Real Madrid's domestic rivals, Atletico Madrid.

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