Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham says the belief within the squad is unshaken as they prepare for a monumental second-leg Champions League comeback against Arsenal on Wednesday night at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Following a 3-0 defeat in the first leg at the Emirates Stadium, Madrid face their toughest challenge yet this season. No team in the club’s illustrious Champions League history has ever overturned such a deficit — but Bellingham insists the squad is ready for another legendary European night.
“It was one of the worst results we could possibly imagine,” Bellingham admitted during Tuesday’s press conference. “But for some reason everyone thinks it’s nailed-on we’ll come back, and it’s a nice feeling. It means there’s a lot of trust in the talent, and that we’re at a club like no other — the best in the world.”
The 21-year-old England international said the word remontada — Spanish for comeback — has dominated conversations at the club since the loss in London. “I’ve seen a million videos online. It’s really motivating stuff,” he said. “This is a night made for Real Madrid.”
Bellingham also urged Madridistas to bring their energy to the Bernabéu, saying the players feed off the fans’ passion. “They create an atmosphere that’s infectious. It brings out the best in us,” he added.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful coach in the competition’s history with five titles, remained calm and composed ahead of the high-stakes clash.
“I’m focused, with a cool head,” said Ancelotti. “It’s not my first night like this and I hope it won’t be the last. These are the games we live for.”
The Italian tactician called on his players to combine “head, heart and balls” in their approach and signaled the importance of forward Kylian Mbappé, who was sent off in La Liga action against Alaves over the weekend.
“He’s hurt and disappointed, but trained very well yesterday,” Ancelotti noted. “We need him… more than ever. He has to score goals for us tomorrow.”
Madrid, 15-time Champions League winners, will look to write another epic chapter in their storied European history as they attempt to defy the odds against a confident Arsenal side aiming for their first semi-final appearance in over a decade.
Leave a Reply