JUDE BELLINGHAM was left stunned after his Real Madrid team-mate Nacho’s horror challenge against Girona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side travelled to Catalonia looking to return to the top of LaLiga.
They survived a flurry of early chances for the home side, before taking the lead against the run of play when Joselu prodded home Bellingham’s stunning “trivela” pass.
Aurelien Tchouameni then put them in a commanding position by heading home a 21st-minute corner.
Bellingham got in on the act 19 minutes from time before being substituted shortly after.
Deep into stoppage time, Real Madrid defender Nacho shockingly lunged in on Girona star Portu.
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The veteran flew into the unnecessary challenge, clattering into Portu’s ankle with his studs.
Girona’s No24 was left writhing in pain and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
In the immediate aftermath of the horror tackle, TV cameras captured Bellingham’s reaction while sat on the bench.
According to the domestic Movistar Plus+ commentary, a shocked looking Bellingham said: “Nacho has gone too far.”
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Portu was taken to hospital with a swollen ankle, but did not have to spend the night.
He is now waiting on tests that will assess how serious the injury is.
After the match, Girona manager Michel revealed that Ancelotti had personally apologised for his player’s actions.
He said: “Ancelotti himself told us that he did not understand the tackle, that it was irrelevant.
“His ankle and hip were touched and a tackle of this style is not understandable. Seeing the minute and the result even less so.
“In the locker room while I state, Nacho didn’t come in, I don’t know if he did it later. Ancelotti personally asked me for forgiveness. It wasn’t a normal entrance.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
