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Carlo Ancelotti explains decision to substitute Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid draw at Bayern Munich

Carlo Ancelotti explains decision to substitute Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid draw at Bayern Munich

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has faith that Jude Bellingham will bounce back from a quiet display in the Champions League draw at Bayern Munich.

The young midfielder was substituted with 15 minutes left to play of Tuesday’s semi-final first leg, despite Los Blancos being a goal down.

Leroy Sane and Harry Kane had turned the tie on its head with quickfire goals in the second half, after Vinicius Jr’s opener on 24 minutes. Vinicius would score the late penalty to level up a match which Bellingham failed to get going in.

But he was not the only surprise departure as the influential Toni Kroos, who set up the first goal, was also taken off.

Ancelotti explained: "We needed just a little more energy.

“Kroos played a very good game and Bellingham had cramp, but I had fresh legs and something had to change. I have tools on the bench and I have to take advantage of them.”

The Madrid coach suggested that he will once again rest Bellingham from LaLiga action ahead of next week’s return leg against Bayern at the Estadio Bernabeu.

Real can potentially wrap up the LaLiga title on Saturday, when Cadiz come to the Spanish capital.

“He will get back to his best performances,” assured Ancelotti.

“He was injured, that affected him, but today he wasn't at his best. Wednesday he will be at 100 per cent again.”