Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham believes the Champions League holders have what it takes to stage a historic comeback against Arsenal on Wednesday, despite a daunting 3-0 deficit from the first leg in London.
With Arsenal taking control in the quarter-final first leg, leaving Real Madrid with an uphill struggle at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham remains optimistic, pointing to the club's unshakable belief, rich history, and exceptional quality as key factors in overcoming this challenge.
“It’s a weird environment, the last few days. It was one of the worst results we could possibly imagine, and for some reason everyone thinks it’s nailed-on we’ll come back, and it’s a nice feeling I have to say,” Bellingham said in a press conference on Tuesday. "It means there’s a lot of trust in the talent, it means that you’re at a club that’s like no other, the best in the world, and that’s what it represents and signifies to me.”
Bellingham, who joined Madrid in 2023, noted the significant pressure that comes with playing for such a historic club but emphasized the motivation and belief shared by the team. "There’s a pressure that comes along with that for sure, we want to deliver on what everyone thinks, that we can come back and that’s obviously the goal for us."
The term 'remontada' (comeback) has been widely used in Madrid’s camp since their 3-0 loss at the Emirates, and Bellingham acknowledged the energy that has fueled the squad. "I’ve heard it about a million times this week, I’ve seen a million videos online. (It’s) really motivating stuff, it’s a night that’s made for Real Madrid," he said, referring to the famed comeback spirit at the club. "A night that people are familiar with in this part of the world, hopefully we can add another special night."
The 21-year-old also spoke about the pivotal role of the Bernabeu crowd, stating that their energy is crucial in pushing the team to a higher level of performance. "They are huge in creating an atmosphere and an energy inside the stadium that’s infectious and the players really thrive off that… it brings a better level from us."
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who has won the Champions League five times as a manager, expressed a calm yet excited demeanor ahead of the clash. "I’m focussed, with a very cool head, it’s not my first night like this and I hope it will not be the last," Ancelotti said. "More than worried, I am excited to be able to take part in games like this from the bench, that excitement allows me to keep a cool head."
Ancelotti urged his players to play with "head, heart and balls" against Arsenal, adding that the team would rely heavily on the attacking prowess of French superstar Kylian Mbappe. Mbappe was sent off in Real Madrid’s narrow La Liga win over Alaves on Sunday, but Ancelotti confirmed that the striker was "hurt, disappointed" but trained well ahead of the Arsenal game. "We need him… he has to score goals, more than ever, we need his goals tomorrow," Ancelotti concluded.
With the weight of expectation on their shoulders, Bellingham and the Real Madrid squad will face one of their toughest challenges yet as they aim to overturn a first-leg defeat and secure a place in the Champions League semi-finals.
