Bernardo Silva sees Champions League as route back into Real Madrid plans

Bernardo Silva’s difficult start at Real Madrid could give way to a fresh opportunity in the Champions League, with the Portugal international having slipped from a high-profile summer signing to a place on the substitutes’ bench.

Silva joined Real Madrid on a free transfer last summer after ending his spell with Manchester City. He was expected to become one of the club’s main options in midfield following the departures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, particularly in the creative role.

However, Spanish newspaper Marca reports that the player is facing an unusual situation at Real Madrid and regards the Champions League as a chance to rebuild his position in the team.

Silva has not featured in the competition so far this season. He missed the match against Inter because of a suspension carried over from his appearances for Manchester City last season, while his involvement in the forthcoming game against Roma remains uncertain.

The report says Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho initially trusted Silva enough to select him from the start, but used him as a defensive midfielder rather than in his more familiar position on the right, where he could operate closer to the opposition goal.

That decision was taken as a temporary solution after an injury to Aurelien Tchouameni and because Mourinho was not completely convinced by Eduardo Camavinga in the role. Silva, though, failed to make the expected impact while playing in the deeper position.

His opportunities have since declined. Arda Guler’s strong performances, combined with Tchouameni’s recovery and return to action, have pushed Silva out of the starting XI and onto the bench.

The Portuguese midfielder was not involved in Real Madrid’s match against Villarreal after also missing the previous game with Elche. Across the team’s past three matches, he played only slightly more than 10 minutes against Atletico Madrid.

Silva has made six appearances in La Liga this season, starting three matches and coming on as a substitute in three others. He has played 282 minutes during Real Madrid’s opening eight league fixtures.

The start of his Real Madrid career has therefore fallen well short of the expectations surrounding his arrival. The Champions League now represents another opportunity for Silva to regain Mourinho’s confidence and recover a regular role, although it remains unclear whether he will return to the starting line-up against Roma.