Barcelona’s dominant 4-0 win over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu has led to intense scrutiny from the Spanish media, with Jude Bellingham’s performance under the spotlight. The English midfielder, playing his first full season with Real Madrid, was seen as struggling to match his previous form, leaving many in the press to question his role and usage by manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Barcelona's victory extended their lead in La Liga by six points, with goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha sealing the win. Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid from Borussia Dortmund for €103 million in 2023, was heavily relied upon last season, scoring 23 goals across competitions. However, he has yet to score in 11 matches this season, prompting Spanish media outlets to address his apparent decline.
The prominent Spanish outlet *Marca* emphasized that Bellingham appears to be a “shadow” of his former self, suggesting the dip may be due to Ancelotti’s tactical choices. Journalist Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa wrote that Bellingham’s positioning in unfamiliar roles, such as near the right flank or even as a full-back, has limited his effectiveness. Garcia-Ochoa noted that Bellingham’s current placement on the field is "a poor decision" by Ancelotti, indicating that the player’s talents are not being utilized properly. The report underscores the concern over Bellingham’s current form, contrasting it with his impactful debut season.