Why is Jude Bellingham not playing today in Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid Champions League Round of 16 Clash?

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Real Madrid are up against Atletico Madrid in the Round of 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday (March 4).

The defending champions, Real Madrid, had to qualify for this stage the hard away as they prevailed over Manchester City in a playoff match after failing to finish in top eight of the UCL group stages.

As Real Madrid prepare for the first leg at Santiago Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti will have to sort out a few issues in the squad. Ahead of the first Madrid derby, the Italian manager is missing a few key players in the squad and English midfielder Jude Bellingham is one of them.

Although Bellingham hasn't received a Red Card in the last UCL clash, the robust midfielder will be missing the crucial tie in front of his own supporters.

Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid: Why is Jude Bellingham not playing Today?

Jude Bellingham is unavailable for Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League Round of 16 first-leg match against Atletico Madrid due to suspension. The midfielder accumulated three yellow cards in the competition, resulting in an automatic one-match ban.

This suspension is a significant setback for Real Madrid, as Bellingham has been instrumental in their Champions League campaign, contributing three goals and three assists in ten matches. He will be back for the return leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano Stadium.

In Bellingham's absence, manager Carlo Ancelotti faces challenges in midfield selection. Dani Ceballos is sidelined due to injury while Federico Valverde has started as right-back.

Real Madrid suffered a defeat in their last match against Real Betis in La Liga, marking the end of their seven-match unbeaten run across all competitions. Los Blancos faced Atletico earlier this season at the Bernabeu which ended in a 1-1 stalemate. Interestingly, both of their star forwards, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr., are available and have started for them.

Real Madrid Playing XI vs Atletico Madrid

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rudiger, Mendy; Brahim Diaz, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Rodrygo, Mbappe, Vinicius Jr