Real Madrid supporters welcomed Jude Bellingham back to the field against Athletic Club with a special banner as he completed his suspension.
After being sent off against Valencia for an X-rated outburst at the referee nearly a month ago, the English midfielder finally returned to league action with Real Madrid.
He then received a two-match ban, so he was unable to participate in the victories over Osasuna and Celta Vigo.
Bellingham, who moved from Borussia Dortmund for €103 million (£88 million/$110 million) last summer, has rapidly emerged as a fan favorite at Santiago Bernabeu.
Due to the lack of a starting striker of high caliber, Carlo Ancelotti has placed the midfielder in a very advanced role, which has unexpectedly made him the focal point of Real Madrid’s attack.
When the team gets ready for one of the hardest games of the season—a Champions League quarterfinal match against Manchester City on April 9 at the Bernabeu and April 17 at the Etihad Stadium—Bellingham will try to put Ancelotti’s setup through its paces.
The former Birmingham City player has participated in 31 games this season, contributing nine assists and 20 goals for Los Blancos.
With Ancelotti gradually converting the Englishman into an actual midfielder, the Englishman’s goals have dried up toward the end of the season, but he is still a crucial component of Madrid’s lineup.