Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has been included in their squad to face Marseille in their Champions League opener on Tuesday.
The 22-year-old has not yet featured for Xabi Alonso’s side this season after undergoing shoulder surgery in July.
Bellingham last played in Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Paris St Germain in the Club World Cup in July but has made a recovery ahead of schedule to be included in the squad for Tuesday’s game.
Jude in training 😤#UCL pic.twitter.com/2jl3P4SGVL
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) September 15, 2025
Madrid have started the La Liga campaign strongly without their key midfielder, with four wins from their first four games, and will be looking to take that form into their European opener.
Alonso told a press conference: “We’re approaching it with the excitement levels that come with playing for Real Madrid in the Champions League.
“It’s special for this team and playing at the Bernabeu, with all of that history, is even greater motivation. The guys are eager to keep making progress, to keep growing and to face tough, top-level opposition.
“We’re up against a very good team tomorrow and we hope to start strongly.”
Kylian Mbappe has made a bright start to the season having found the net four times in Madrid’s first four league games, helping them sit top of La Liga in the early stages.
The 26-year-old has yet to win the Champions League and will be setting his sights on adding the title to his already decorated cabinet.
Alonso said: “He doesn’t look it (anxious to win the Champions League) to me.
“We’re all well aware that this a project in its early stages. As part of playing for Madrid, one of the goals along the way is always to win the Champions League.
“I hope it happens sooner rather than later, and that we’re following the right path to get there. Kylian is part of that. Today we’ve discussed what the Champions League means, but we haven’t spoken about May – we’re focused on the now.
“It’s not about only Kylian, Vini (Junior) or Rodrygo, we need the team to work.”
Madrid are 15 times winners and are used to going deep into the competition but were knocked out by Arsenal in the quarter-finals last season.
Alonso acknowledged the pressure to win titles as the boss but sees it as a privilege.
He added: “That is a fact. It’s unquestionable.
“It’s an honour, a source of motivation and a responsibility that you live with and thrive off.
“When you come in here and pull on the jersey, or when you arrive as a coach, that’s why you’re here. It’s a privilege.”
