Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham says the entire team believes they can pull off a remarkable comeback against Arsenal in the second leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.
Arsenal beat Madrid 3-0 in the first leg in London, putting the Spanish side in a difficult position ahead of the return match at the Santiago Bernabeu. But Bellingham is confident the reigning champions can turn things around.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, the England international said there’s strong belief in the team, the club’s history, and their quality to make the impossible possible.
“It’s been a strange few days. We had one of the worst possible results in the first leg, but somehow everyone still thinks we’ll come back,” Bellingham said. “It just shows the trust people have in this club, in the talent here. It’s a nice feeling.”
He added that there’s pressure to live up to that belief — but also great motivation.
“Remontada,” the Spanish word for comeback, has been echoing all week, according to Bellingham.
“I’ve heard it a million times, seen all the videos online — it’s really motivating. This kind of night is what Real Madrid is known for. Hopefully, we can create another special one,” he said.
Bellingham, who joined Madrid in 2023 and helped them win the Champions League in his first season, urged the team to feed off the energy of the home fans.
“The fans make a big difference. They bring a special energy that lifts us. It helps us play better,” he said. “We have to match Arsenal’s intensity and give our fans a performance to be proud of.”
He also acknowledged the high expectations that come with playing for a club like Madrid.
“When Real Madrid is in a tough spot, people still expect us to come back. That’s what makes this club special,” he said.
Ancelotti: We Need Mbappe More Than Ever
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, the most successful coach in Champions League history with five titles, said he’s calm and focused ahead of the match.
“I’m excited, not nervous,” he said. “I’ve had many nights like this before. Hopefully, this won’t be the last.”
Ancelotti urged his players to play with “head, heart, and courage” and stressed that Kylian Mbappe must step up.
The French striker was sent off against Alaves on Sunday in La Liga, but Ancelotti said he’s now focused and ready.
“He was disappointed about the red card, but he trained really well yesterday,” said Ancelotti. “We need him. He has to score goals — more than ever — tomorrow.”
Real Madrid will need a big performance from Mbappe and the rest of the team if they’re to pull off one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history.
