Jude Bellingham criticized Real Madrid’s performance following their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg at the Emirates on Tuesday night.
The 21-year-old struggled to make an impact in the match and was even seen disagreeing with Carlo Ancelotti at one point. With the second leg set for next Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid faces an uphill battle—something Ancelotti, 65, acknowledged as unlikely in his post-match comments.
In the coming days, tensions within the Madrid camp are expected to rise as players and staff reflect on the disappointing result.
Bellingham did not hold back in his post-match interview.
“We were nowhere near good enough, that’s the reality, and Arsenal were excellent,” Bellingham told Prime Sport. “Two of their goals came from free-kicks with brilliant deliveries, but honestly, they could have scored more. We were lucky it was only three.
“But there’s still a second leg, and that’s what we’re holding onto. We need something incredible, something almost unbelievable. But if there’s one place where miracles can happen, it’s our home.”
Despite Arsenal’s commanding lead, head coach Mikel Arteta remained grounded and urged his team to maintain their focus.
“We need to go there, step up again, and prepare to win,” Arteta said. “This is another step forward for us as a team. We’ve shown we can do it, and now we have to go to the Bernabeu and do it again.”
Arsenal will now turn their attention to the Premier League, hosting Brentford on Saturday, April 12. Meanwhile, Madrid resumes their La Liga campaign on Sunday, April 13, with an away fixture against Alaves.
Although Madrid remains in contention for a treble—sitting second in La Liga and having secured a Copa del Rey final spot against Barcelona—overcoming Arsenal’s three-goal lead may be their toughest challenge yet.
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