Real Madrid‘s quest for UEFA Champions League glory continues Tuesday, with the Spanish giants taking on Kairat away from home. Jude Bellingham, this time, is starting the game on the bench.

The reason behind the Englishman’s absence from the starting eleven appears to be a tactical decision by manager Xabi Alonso, since the Spaniard had included Bellingham in the lineup when Real Madrid lost to Atletico Madrid in the derby on Saturday.

The former Borussia Dortmund star was subbed off for Rodrygo 70 minutes into the match, which represented his first start since undergoing shoulder surgery in July. Even though he’s still rediscovering his best form, Bellingham’s presence on the bench in today’s Champions League clash has more to do with a tactical choice rather than fitness issues.

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