Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is confident that his team can overcome a 3-0 deficit against Arsenal in the Champions League quarterfinals. The reigning European champions suffered a heavy defeat at Emirates Stadium last week, but Bellingham believes that the second leg at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium is “a night made for Real Madrid.” He thinks that the team can add another chapter to the club’s illustrious European history and turn the tie around.
Bellingham’s confidence stems from the team’s rich history in the Champions League. He notes that there’s not much that Real Madrid hasn’t achieved in the competition, and the upcoming match is an opportunity for the team to do something new. Despite the daunting task ahead, Bellingham is optimistic about the team’s chances, citing the electric atmosphere at the Bernabeu as a motivating factor.
Arsenal, on the other hand, are looking to reach the semifinals of the Champions League for the first time since 2009. Goalkeeper David Raya says that the team is feeling calm and confident, and they’re focused on replicating their performance from the first leg. Raya is unconcerned about the hostile atmosphere at the Bernabeu, stating that the team can’t control the fans or the stadium, but they can control their performance on the pitch.
The match will be a significant test for both teams, with Real Madrid looking to overcome a substantial deficit and Arsenal seeking to progress to the next round. Bellingham praised Arsenal’s Declan Rice for his impressive free-kicks in the first leg, saying that he was taken aback by Rice’s skill. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Jorginho will miss the second leg, which could impact the team’s chances.
Real Madrid have lost by three or more goals in the first leg of a European knockout tie on five previous occasions, but they managed to come from behind to progress in the 1975-76 European Cup. Bellingham believes that his team can rise to the challenge and make history despite the odds being against them.
The highly anticipated match will take place at the Bernabeu Stadium, with Real Madrid looking to mount an epic comeback and Arsenal seeking to seal their spot in the semifinals. The match will be broadcast on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app, with a Champions League Match of the Day program scheduled for Wednesday night.
