“If he did it it means he has balls” - Ancelotti on Jude Bellingham being angry with Vinicius Jr in Real Madrid win against Celta Vigo
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has played down talks of a feud between Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr after his side's LaLiga game against Celta Vigo on October 19. Los Blancos moved level on points with Barcelona after a 2-1 win over Celta Vigo, although they have played a game more than their rivals.
Ancelotti named his strongest available XI for the clash, with a fully fit Kylian Mbappe named from the start. The duo of Bellingham and Vinicius Jr also started for the champions as they picked up a hard-earned win away from home.
It wasn't all plain sailing for Real Madrid at Estadio de Balaidos, with the game threatening to get away from them at times. On one such occasion, Jude Bellingham angrily berated Vinicius Jr for failing to pass him the ball during a botched attack.
Carlo Ancelotti was asked about this confrontation in his press conference after the game, and he replied that he had not taken notice of such. He did, however, praise the English midfielder for showing bravery and a desire to win in that situation.
"Jude Bellingham was angry with Vinicius? I didn't notice the gesture. But if he did it it means he has balls. I like it. They were hugging at the end of the game," Ancelotti said.
Real Madrid have now picked up 24 points from their opening 10 games this season in LaLiga, where they are yet to taste defeat. Their only defeat this term has come in the UEFA Champions League, where Lille pipped them 1-0.
Both Bellingham and Vinicius Jr are on the shortlist for this year's Ballon d'Or, and they have proved time and again that they can play together. They shared an embrace after the game, showing to the world that nothing had come between them.
Vinicius Jr on target as Real Madrid claim win over Celta Vigo
Vinicius Jr was on target for Real Madrid in their narrow 2-1 win over Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Saturday. The Brazilian forward joined blockbuster summer signing Kylian Mbappe on the scoresheet for Carlo Ancelotti's side.
Mbappe opened the scoring for the club with a fine effort from range in the 20th minute for his sixth goal in nine league matches this season. Celta Vigo responded just six minutes into the second half through Swedish youngster Williot Swedberg.
Vincicius Jr had the final laugh in the game as he finished off a pass from Luka Modric in the 66th minute. The 24-year-old has now contributed five goals and six assists in 10 league games for Los Blancos this season.