Real Madrid achieved a key victory against Manchester City at Santiago Bernabéu, but the news after the match wasn't just the result. The Madrid team will be without a key player for the round of 16 match.
Bellingham, Confirmed Absence in Round of 16
The white team faced the match with the threat of losing key players due to an accumulation of cards. Six footballers were on the verge, and finally, Jude Bellingham was the only one who fell into the trap. The Englishman received a yellow card after a foul on Phil Foden and will miss the first match of the Champions League round of 16.
For Ancelotti, Bellingham's absence is a hard blow. He is his most decisive player this season, but the Italian coach is already thinking about solutions. And that's where Brahim Díaz comes into play.
Ancelotti's Message to Brahim
Right after the match ended, Ancelotti looked for Brahim. He approached him with a smile and, according to sources close to the locker room, said: "You know it's your turn now, right?"
The message was clear. With Bellingham suspended, Brahim has a great opportunity to showcase his talent in a high-stakes match. His role in the team has been secondary at many points during the season, but he has always replied when given minutes.
The player from Málaga knows this could be his moment to leave his mark. He has worked quietly, waiting for opportunities, and now fate places him in an ideal situation to shine in Europe.
What About Arda Güler?
The other big name entering the equation is Arda Güler. The young Turk also dreams of having more prominence, and Bellingham's absence could open a door for him. However, Ancelotti seems to lean toward Brahim, a player with experience who has already shown his ability in key matches.
That doesn't mean Arda doesn't have options. The Turk is pure talent, and the coaching staff trusts in his progression. Everything will depend on the training sessions and how they manage the upcoming matches before the Champions League knockout stage.
A Golden Opportunity
Brahim Díaz knows he won't have many opportunities like this. A round of 16 Champions League match, at Santiago Bernabéu, with the coach's confidence. It's the perfect stage to make it clear that he deserves more prominence at Real Madrid.
Now, everything is in his cleats, and Ancelotti has already given him the warning. "You know it's your turn now." The ball is in his court.