Jude Bellingham in ‘coaching bust-up’ with Real Madrid team-mate forward of Arsenal conflict

Jude Bellingham and Antonio Rudiger were reportedly involved in a training ground bust-up just days before Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal

Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid team-mate Antonio Rudiger reportedly had to be separated during training just days before their Champions League second leg match against Arsenal.

The Gunners dominated the first leg in north London last Tuesday, securing a 3-0 lead in the quarter-final tie. However, with the return leg at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, Real are aiming to stage another memorable comeback and secure a semi-final spot against either Aston Villa or PSG.

Ahead of the crucial match, tensions boiled over in the Madrid camp, with reports suggesting that Bellingham and ex-Chelsea defender Rudiger were involved in a training ground bust-up.

Spanish media outlet El Chiringuito reported an incident took place last week before Los Blancos’ crucial La Liga match against Deportivo Alaves. It’s alleged that Bellingham was incensed by a tackle from Rudiger during a small-sided game, leading to the session being halted to separate the two.

Both Bellingham and Rudiger featured in Sunday’s LaLiga match, which Madrid won 1-0. Eduardo Camavinga netted the winning goal just four minutes before Kylian Mbappe was sent off for a reckless challenge on Antonio Blanco.

Rudiger played a key part in Real Madrid’s clean sheet during their latest clash, while Bellingham, who started on the bench ahead of the crucial tie against Arsenal, was called upon in the 63rd minute to preserve Real’s lead.

Madrid’s victory narrowed the gap to just four points behind La Liga frontrunners Barcelona, with a pivotal El Clasico still to come.

Speaking following the defeat at the Emirates last week, Bellingham admitted: “We were nowhere near it. That’s the fact and Arsenal were really good. I know two of their goals were free-kicks but they could have had way more. They’re two great pieces of individual quality and if it wasn’t for them, they still have other chances.

“We got punished and that happens at top-level football. In these games, you need to create more. Very rarely do you come to a place like this, score one goal and take your lead back home.

“They reacted really well to the transition. We didn’t do enough on the ball to threaten. We’re still alive, we’ve got 90 minutes of football and anything can happen at the Bernabeu.”