Jude Bellingham responds after Fede Valverde issues apology to Real Madrid teammates following 2-1 loss against Athletic Club
Jude Bellingham showed his support to Federico Valverde after his mistake his Real Madrid's defeat against Athletic Club. They lost 2-1 at San Mames in LaLiga on Wednesday, December 4.
After a goalless first half, Alejandro Berenguer Remiro gave the hosts the lead in the 53rd minute, scoring after a Thibaut Courtois save fell to him. Kylian Mbappe then missed yet another crucial penalty for Los Blancos this season after Julen Agirrezabala was deemed to have fouled Antonio Rudiger.
Jude Bellingham equalised for Real Madrid in the 78th minute after Agirrezabala's save from Mbappe's shot fell to the Englishman. In the 80th minute, Fede Valverde lost the ball cheaply to Gorka Guruzeta, who went on to score the winner for Athletic Club.
After the game, Valverde apologised for his mistake, writing in the caption of an Instagram post:
“Today has been a hard hit, but I take the blame, turn the face and apologize. For my teammates and the fans. I know it is football and things can happen, but they are not strangers to me and I did not want to stop expressing myself for the mistake I made.
“There is a long way to go, many competitions and I am sure a lot of joy. Thank you, Hala Madrid.”
Bellingham commented on Valverde's post:
"No apology needed - win and lose together, always."
Valverde has been one of the most crucial players for Real Madrid in recent seasons. He's recorded four goals and two assists in 20 games across competitions this season.
Carlo Ancelotti opens up on Fede Valverde after Real Madrid's defeat against Athletic Club
The Merengues had 64% possession against Athletic Club at San Mames on Wednesday. They had 10 attempts on goal with five being on target as compared to the hosts' nine attempts with three being on target. However, a goal that came from Federico Valverde's mistake ended up being the difference between the two sides.
After the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said about the Uruguayan midfielder (via Managing Madrid):
“The public is extraordinary. Fede, like Kylian, is sad and disappointed. He made a mistake, but we must not touch him. Fede is a great player. Mistakes are made in football, like everyone else. We have to look ahead to the next game.”
Real Madrid remained second in the LaLiga standings, sitting four points behind Barcelona with a game in hand. They will next face Girona away on Saturday, December 7.