New footage has emerged after Jude Bellingham was slammed for an incident involving Rayan Cherki following Real Madrid's 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday night. Xabi Alonso's managerial future is hanging by a thread after his side failed to hold on to the lead Rodrygo gave them in the 28th minute.
Los Blancos have now won just two of their last eight matches across all competitions, and their Champions League defeat has only added weight to the idea that the relationship between the players and the management has broken down. At the time of writing, it's only Kylian Mbappe who is performing as expected, while the likes of Vinicius Junior and the aforementioned Bellingham have plateaud.
At full-time, the mood in the Real Madrid camp was unmistakable. Each player looked disappointed and tired as their opponents approached them for handshakes and hugs. But it was that contrast in emotions that led to an awkward moment between Bellingham and Cherki, which had initially suggested another episode of needless frustration from the latter.
Real Madrid vs Manchester City
In a viral clip posted to X, the immediate reactions of both sets of players were captured. The cameraman produced a jumpscare out of Pep Guardiola, before another camera picked up a moment where Bellingham appears to have seen a ghost as he stares blankly across the pitch, seemingly ignoring Cherki's attempt to offer a handshake. Watch the initial video below:
Reacting to the incident, those on social media were quick to jump the gun and criticise the England international, as one X user remarked: "He really has a nasty attitude," while another added: "Jude always trying to act humble until it’s actually time to be it…" Elsewhere, a third wrote: "Despicable. Classless act. Whatever happened to humility, sportsmanship, and talking on the pitch?"
However, the video cuts off before anyone can see Bellingham's full reaction, and that missing detail has since proven to be doing him dirty, as new footage shows him embracing the Frenchman once he realises he's there. Watch the new footage below:
Bellingham Confident in Real Madrid Turning Things Around
Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso bows his head.
UEFA Champions League - Real Madrid v Manchester City - Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid, Spain - December 10, 2025 Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso REUTERS/Susana Vera
Although there seems to be an expectation in the media that Alonso's time at the Bernabeu will come to an end at some point soon, Bellingham has voiced his support for the manager, having used much of his post-match press conference to instil some much-needed hope and confidence going forward.
When asked whether he wants the Spaniard to remain in the dugout, the midfielder said, as per The Sun: “100 per cent. The manager has been great. I personally have a great relationship with him and I know a lot of the boys do too.
“After that run of draws we had some great conversations internally and felt we’d put that form behind us. No one is downing tools, no one is complaining or moaning. We take it on the chin and keep fighting.”
Rodrygo celebrating after scoring for Real Madrid against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League
Quizzed on the criticism he has faced personally this season, he added: “It’s just life. This is what I’ve signed up for. I play for the biggest club in the world and one of the most scrutinised countries in the world. I don’t want pity, I’m living the dream. I role with the punches and the most important thing is that to me.”