Jude Bellingham, the young sensation for Real Madrid, has recently shared his thoughts about the electric atmosphere of matchdays at the Santiago Bernabeu. He expressed his belief that such a vibrant environment could propel his team toward yet another extraordinary comeback in the UEFA Champions League. With the mounting pressure, Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal team is aware that their task is far from complete, especially given the formidable challenge they face against one of Europe’s giants.
Real Madrid’s recent history in the Champions League is marked by remarkable comebacks. The team has successfully overturned first-leg deficits against heavyweights like Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain in previous campaigns. For instance, one of those iconic victories was a thrilling aggregate win over Manchester City, where Carlo Ancelotti’s side clawed back from a 4-3 loss at the Etihad Stadium to triumph 6-5 in total. Bellingham hopes to recreate that magic, attributing much of the team’s potential success to the fervent support of the home fans.
In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Bellingham reminisced about his first experience of a matchday at the Bernabeu. “Leading into the stadium, you have the fans on the street, the horses, the flares going up. The first time I saw it, I couldn’t believe it. I’d never seen anything like it in football,” he explained. The young midfielder added that the atmosphere during the warm-up alone is electrifying, and it only intensifies when the iconic club anthem is played, further igniting the passion of the supporters. Such enthusiasm from the fans, as Bellingham pointed out, is a staple of Real Madrid’s home advantage and is something the players fully appreciate. “I know they’re going to deliver, and it’s our time to repay them,” he affirmed.
As Arsenal prepares for this crucial encounter, they currently hold a promising lead, bolstered by outstanding performances from players like Declan Rice, who scored two spectacular free-kicks, alongside contributions from Mikel Merino. Meanwhile, Real Madrid managed to secure a narrow victory against Deportivo Alaves in La Liga, further motivating them for the clash against the Gunners.
Despite the setback in the first leg, Bellingham remains optimistic about Real’s prospects. He conveyed a sense of belief among the squad, emphasizing the team’s resolve to bounce back in pursuit of a record-extending 16th European Cup title. “Straight after the game, it’s tough, because you’re dealing with the sucker-punch and the blow of the result,” he reflected, acknowledging the initial disappointment but highlighting the importance of camaraderie and experience within the squad. Bellingham recounted how discussions with more seasoned players helped shift the mood and reassured him that a comeback is possible. He stated, “Picking the brains of those players made me realize… that we can do this.”
The youngster also recognized that the first leg was far from their best performance, but he noted the constructive feedback and honest conversations that followed. It is this mentality and determination to improve that Bellingham believes will be crucial going into the next match. The looming question that many fans might ask is what would happen if Real Madrid were to face elimination from the tournament. However, Bellingham dismissed such thoughts, stating firmly, “I’m not thinking about it.”
As the anticipation builds for the return leg, the eyes of fans worldwide will be on the Premier League giants and the Spanish powerhouse, as they compete for glory in one of football’s most prestigious tournaments. Fans can catch all the action from both the Premier League and the Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+. The upcoming match promises to be laden with high stakes, emotion, and the possibility for another miraculous comeback, reminiscent of Real Madrid’s storied legacy in Europe.
