Jude Bellingham spoke highly of Lisandro Martinez despite their fiery encounter.
During Real Madrid’s 2-0 win over Manchester United, the defender tested his opposition’s resolve with some crunching tackles – as always.
He came head-to-head with Bellingham after lunging in to retrieve the ball and bringing the midfielder down during the process, much to the Englishman’s dismay.
The pair then squared up to one another and were forced to separated by teammates while Martinez was brandished a yellow card.
Jude Bellingham wasn't happy with Lisandro Martinez after this tackle 😳 pic.twitter.com/1yCo7GYOMj
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 27, 2023
Following the full-time whistle in Houston, Bellingham spoke to Beanyman Sports regarding the incident but explained that the two players had dropped the hatchet.
“The thing, the little tiff with Martinez – brilliant player. When I came in at half time, I was effing this and effing that but when he came over and said ‘all the best’ when I came off, I really respected it. And I understand that kind of what goes on the pitch, stays on the pitch and I saw him at the end of the game [and] wished him well, I can respect that.
“When two players are trying to win for their team and can come together and be respectful after the game like I said, he’s a great competitor, a great player. Just like me, I want to win so sometimes it spills over but that’s part of the game. It was really respectful that we could have that moment after the game, you know.”
‘Martinez is a BRILLIANT player! He wished me all the best, I really respected it’ | Jude Bellingham#bellingham #martinez #manutd pic.twitter.com/CjvPMT3XhH
— BeanymanSports (@BeanymanSports) July 27, 2023
Footage courtesy of Beanyman Sports.
