Real Madrid's Bellingham Substituted Due to Cramp in 2-2 Champions League Draw with Bayern Munich

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham was substituted in the 75th minute of the team's 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal due to cramp. Manager Carlo Ancelotti cited Bellingham's injury recovery and the need for fresh legs as the reasons for the substitution.

The match at the Allianz Arena ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Vinícius Júnior scoring twice for Real Madrid, including an 83rd minute penalty to level the tie. Bayern had taken a 2-1 lead early in the second half with goals from Leroy Sané and Harry Kane.

Ancelotti admitted after the match that Bellingham was "not at his best" and struggled with the intensity of Bayern's pressing midfielders. "Bellingham was fatigued and experienced muscle spasms, so he couldn't continue any more," Ancelotti explained. "I made the change to bring on more energy in midfield."

The 19-year-old Bellingham, who has had an outstanding debut season for Real Madrid, was taken off along with Toni Kroos in a double substitution. Ancelotti brought on Federico Valverde and Luka Modric to bolster the midfield.

Why this matters: The fitness of key players like Bellingham could prove crucial in the second leg and potentially the Champions League final. Real Madrid are seeking a record-extending 15th European Cup/Champions League title.

Despite the draw, Ancelotti believes the tie is still even heading into next week's second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu. "We didn't play our best match but it's a good result that gives us faith and confidence for the second leg," he said. "The tie is still completely open."

Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel rued his team's missed chances but agreed the semifinal is still "50-50" ahead of the trip to Madrid. "We can take a lot from this game," said Tuchel. "We know we can create chances against this team at the Bernabeu."

The winner of the tie will face either Manchester City or AC Milan in the Champions League final at Istanbul's Atatürk Olympic Stadium on June 10. Ancelotti expects Bellingham to be "100 per cent" fit for the decisive second leg, where Real Madrid will aim to utilize their home advantage to reach another European final.

Key Takeaways

• Bellingham substituted in 75th min due to cramp, Ancelotti cites fatigue and need for fresh legs.
• Real Madrid drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in Champions League semifinal 1st leg, Vinicius scored twice.
• Ancelotti believes tie is still even, Tuchel says it's "50-50" ahead of 2nd leg at Bernabeu.
• Winner will face Man City or AC Milan in Champions League final on June 10 in Istanbul.
• Ancelotti expects Bellingham to be "100% fit" for decisive 2nd leg as Real Madrid aim for 15th title.