Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger were involved in a training ground altercation that required team-mates to separate them just days before their Champions League match with Arsenal, according to reports in Spain.
The incident occurred during a small-sided game at Friday’s training session as tensions boiled over between the England international and the former Chelsea defender.
The bust-up comes at a critical point in Real Madrid’s season, with the Spanish giants facing potential disappointment in both domestic and European competitions.
Despite the heated exchange, reports suggest the two players ultimately resolved their differences.
Real Madrid stars Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger were involved in a training ground altercation that required team-mates to separate them just days before their Champions League match with Arsenal
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According to El Chiringuito, the confrontation began when Rudiger made a bad tackle on Bellingham during training.
The England star reportedly responded with an insult, escalating the situation to the point where other Madrid players had to intervene.
Sources close to the club have downplayed the significance of the incident, describing such flare-ups as “normal at this stage of the season”.
The two players, who have been team-mates since Bellingham’s arrival from Borussia Dortmund last summer, were able to settle their differences after the heated moment.
Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger are set to start for Real Madrid against Arsenal on Wednesday night
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The altercation reflects growing pressure on the Madrid squad as they find themselves in a precarious position in LaLiga.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men are currently four points behind Barcelona in the title race, with both teams having played 31 games.
Their position worsened following a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Valencia last week.
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Though Madrid managed to secure a victory against Alaves on Sunday, they were forced to play more than half the match with ten men after Kylian Mbappe received a red card for a high challenge.
The champions’ grip on their LaLiga crown appears to be slipping with just weeks remaining in the season.
Madrid’s Champions League prospects appear equally bleak as they face a mountain to progress to the semi-finals.
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Los Blancos trail Arsenal 3-0 following their quarter-final first leg defeat at the Emirates last week.
The return leg at the Bernabeu is scheduled for Wednesday night, with both Bellingham and Rudiger expected to start.
The pair were on the pitch for the full 90 minutes during the disappointing first leg in London.
Jude Bellingham struggled for Real Madrid against Arsenal last week
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Despite the training ground clash, Bellingham and Rudiger have established a strong partnership at Madrid since the Englishman’s arrival last summer.
The duo have featured together 78 times, sharing the pitch for more than 6,200 minutes and combining for one goal.
Their successful collaboration helped Madrid secure both LaLiga and Champions League titles last season.