Real Madrid manager Carlos Ancelotti has said Brahim Diaz may not return to the bench even when Jude Bellingham returns from injury.

This was after Diaz provided the winner in the 2-1 win against Atletico Madrid in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League tie.

Speaking during a post-match briefing, Ancelotti hailed the forward's performance just as he revealed that he could feature more frequently for the Spanish giants.

He said, "It's not certain that when Bellingham returns, he's going to go back to the bench. He's contributing a lot. He's not an undisputed starter, but he's an important player because he makes the most of every minute I give him. He was last year and he is this year. He's going to play when I put him on. When he scored, I spoke to him because Modrić was coming on and we wanted to make a tactical change to switch to a 4-5-1 defence. It was to brief him on this change. Then we put him back on the left."

Ancelotti also had words to say concerning Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe's work rate in the match.

"Playing against Atlético's defence isn't easy. We didn't have many chances. They worked hard and fought. They didn't show the quality they have, but they have the return to do that. Defensively, they did well and when they get into a good position they allow the midfielders to be closer to the defence and help the defence," he said.

ASA