Jude Bellingham has shut down rumours that Kylian Mbappe’s arrival has caused a dressing room rift at Real Madrid.

The England international made his return from injury in Tuesday night’s 3-1 Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart.

GettyBellingham and Mbappe are slowing finding an understanding on the pitch but reports claim the Frenchman’s arrival has caused tension among the club’s stars[/caption]

Bellingham joined fellow stars Mbappe, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo in seeing off the Bundesliga side to make a winning start to their Champions League defence.

But rather than bask in his side’s victory, the former Birmingham City man was forced to address rumours of dressing room tension between the star quartet, particularly since Mbappe’s blockbuster summer arrival.

The France international has netted five goals in seven games for Real Madrid and open his Champions League account for the club against the German outfit.

Although the LaLiga giants boast an unbeaten start to the season, they are yet to dazzle as they did in last season’s historic double-winning campaign.

Reports claim that tensions have arisen between the club’s star names with Vinicius and Mbappe at loggerheads over penalty taking duties.

In addition, Rodrygo does not feel valued enough in the squad despite his decisive contributions to the team.

A lack of attacking fluidity was apparent in Real Madrid’s opening league games but Tuesday’s victory was evidence that Los Blancos are showing signs of a functioning unit.

That was echoed by Bellingham after the victory who told reporters that they were all ‘very good friends’.

“I saw on social media that they are trying to create something negative between me, Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius,” Bellingham said. “The only truth is that we are very good friends on and off the pitch.”

He went on to salute the impact made by Mbappe, who netted Madrid’s opener against Stuttgart, since his arrival in the Spanish capital.

GettyMbappe is still settling in at Real Madrid and is yet to find his best form for the club[/caption]

GettyMbappe has had to play second fiddle to Vinicius Jr when it comes to penalty taking duties[/caption]

“It’s what he does, I’m not surprised at all,” he added. “I didn’t even realise it was his debut, I just thought it was another game he would score in.

“He always delivers so far, it’s a lot of pressure coming to a club like Madrid, but he’s taken to it really easily and the lads love him already. He’s going to be a huge player for us, this season and beyond.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s men turn their attention to domestic duties this weekend with a home game against Espanyol.

The reigning LaLiga champions sit in third place, four points adrift of Barcelona with five games played.

The pair go head to head in the first El Clasico of the season on October 27 at the Santiago Bernabeu.