When Jude Bellingham was a kid, he says he would stay up past bedtime to watch the clásico. Back then he didn’t want to miss a minute; now no one else wants him to either. There is a reason only one Real Madrid player has played more of them this season and when he pulled up towards the end of their midweek visit to Braga, four days before travelling to Barcelona, one front page declared a “Bellingham scare”. He says it was just a “tweak” and that he is ready for the biggest game of them all on Saturday afternoon.
Asked during an interview with Spanish state TV whether he was nervous about the game, Bellingham replied: “No, not really, I’ve obviously played a lot of high-pressure games, [although] maybe not one of this magnitude. I’m more excited than anything. I’m so looking forward to the atmosphere. Whatever else, it will be really fun.
