After securing a spot in the knockout stage of this season’s UEFA Champions League in the midweek, Real Madrid would return their focus to La Liga this weekend when they host Valencia at Santiago Bernabeu on Saturday, but they might have to play the game with a player who has been key to a great start that they have had this season.

Real Madrid secured a 3-0 victory over visiting Sporting Club Braga at Santiago Bernabeu, playing the game without Jude Bellingham, who was an unused substitute no thanks to his fitness problem, which he sustained in the 0-0 draw against Rayo Vallecano last Saturday.

The English midfielder was an unused substitute as Real Madrid won 3-0 thanks to goals from Brahim Diaz, Rodrigo, and Vinicius Junior. While he could play on Saturday against Valencia, he has not returned to 100% fitness. Reports indicated that the player will need to be assessed before the game to be sure of his availability.

Jude Bellingham has scored 13 goals and three assists in 14 games in all competitions for Real Madrid this season after just joining them from the German Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund in the summer.

Real Madrid has sealed a knockout slot in the UEFA Champions League with four wins from four games played and will face Valencia before the international break.

Meanwhile, match week 13 of the Spanish La Liga will start on Friday with Athletic club welcoming Celta Vigo on Friday, Saturday’s fixtures will see Rayo Vallecano host Girona, Almeria will welcome Real Sociedad, Granada, and Getafe will play while Osasuna and Las Palmas will do battle all on Saturday.

Sunday’s fixtures will see Barcelona face Alaves at the Stadio Olimpico, Sevilla and Real Betis will also battle, and Atletico Madrid against Villarreal. 

Girona are the surprise league leaders after twelve games with 31 points, two ahead of Real Madrid in second and four ahead of third-placed Barcelona.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu