England midfielder Jude Bellingham spoke to CBS Golazo after Real Madrid’s 2-3 defeat against Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League. He confessed that Real Madrid were actually considered lucky despite only conceding three goals.
‘It was lucky to only concede three goals’
Arsenal showed great home dominance in this match played at the Emirates Stadium. Bellingham said after the game, “They (Arsenal) played really well today and we played poorly. That’s the truth.” He further noted that Arsenal scored from two set-pieces, showing great individual ability, “but to be honest, they actually could have scored more. We should be grateful that we were only breached three times.”
This comment, although it sounds harsh, was actually Bellingham’s objective analysis of the game situation. Instead of making excuses or trying to play down the defeat, he faced the defeat with a very real attitude.
‘There’s still 90 minutes at home, there’s still a chance’
Despite losing the first leg, Bellingham emphasised that there was still a chance for them to overturn the deficit at home. He said, “That’s the basis of us still being able to hang on and try to turn the game around. We need something special and surprising, but if there is any place where such miracles can happen, it will be our home ground.”
The Bernabeu has witnessed countless reversals and miracles and Bellingham is not giving up. He believes that despite the current unfavourable situation, anything is possible in football.
On the possibility of a reversal: ‘Football is always full of variables’
Asked if he believes Real Madrid can create a reversal miracle in the Champions League, Bellingham did not hesitate. He said, “You never know what can happen in football. It’s true that we didn’t play well today, but we’re not going to give up just like that. That’s not the style of Real Madrid.”
He emphasised that Real Madrid’s spiritual culture is to never give up and fight to win even in the most difficult situations. ‘We still have 90 minutes to go and the atmosphere and support at home could bring something special.’
On Arsenal’s performance and his own disappointment
Bellingham also spoke about the excellent play of Arsenal players, particularly England midfielder Declan Rice. He said, ‘I know Rice well, but I honestly didn’t expect him to score a free-kick like that, and twice.’
In addition, Bellingham mentioned some key moments in the game. He mentioned a great pass he made in the first half – sending the ball to Mbappe’s feet to create a threatening opportunity. “That was a really good match, but in a game like this, one chance is not enough. We need to create more threats.”
He pointed out that his team was never able to create an effective shot on goal in the final stages of the game, despite bringing the ball into the danger zone on a number of occasions, and that the attacking and defensive transitions were swiftly defused by Arsenal. ‘We didn’t put enough pressure on their goal, which made it difficult to create real chances on goal.’
Appeal ahead of Round Two: ‘We’re still alive, don’t give up in a hurry’
At the end of the interview, when asked what he thought of the second leg, Bellingham was adamant: “We’re still alive, there’s still 90 minutes of home games to go for. Like I said before, anything can happen at the Bernabeu.”
This optimism reflects his leadership and resilience. Despite being on the back foot, he is still boosting morale and instilling confidence in the team.
Failure is not the end of the road, Real Madrid’s story is not over
Bellingham’s words, although delivered after a defeat, evoke a sense of honourable perseverance. Instead of running away from the problem, he acknowledged the team’s shortcomings while not losing faith in the future. He is clear that the next home game will be a tough one, but he believes that Real Madrid will perform miracles at crucial moments, as they have done in the past.
This game also proved once again what is so fascinating about football: results are only temporary, and belief and hard work are the keys to the final destiny. Jude Bellingham, with his words and attitude, has lit a flame of hope for Real Madrid and its fans.
