Real Madrid's midfielder, Jude Bellingham, isn't afraid to say what he thinks, even when the situation is tense. In the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, Real Madrid lost 3-0 to Arsenal, which didn't leave Bellingham indifferent.
The British player was clear and direct in commenting on his team's performance, showing that the situation could have been much worse.
Jude Bellingham's Honest Analysis
In a post-match interview with Amazon Prime, Bellingham didn't mince words. He acknowledged Arsenal's superiority during much of the match and admitted that Mikel Arteta's team were really good.
However, he didn't just acknowledge the opponent's merits but also engaged in self-criticism: "We weren't even close. That's the truth," he stated.
The English midfielder was aware that, although Arsenal scored three goals, they could have scored more.
"I know two of their goals were free kicks, but they could have scored many more. We were lucky to concede only three goals. They punished us, and that happens in high-level soccer," Bellingham stated, with a candor that many players prefer to avoid.
Jude Bellingham's Optimism: Bernabéu Is the Key
Despite the tough defeat and the feeling that Real Madrid could have been much more competitive, Bellingham doesn't lose hope. The midfielder assured that his team is still alive in the tie, as there is still a match to be played at Santiago Bernabéu. "There's a second match, and that's what we're holding onto," he said, making it clear that not everything is lost.
For Bellingham, Bernabéu is the place where "crazy things happen." And if anyone knows what the white fans are capable of on Champions nights, it's him. Although the task won't be easy, the Englishman trusts that Real Madrid has what it takes to turn the situation around.
"We need something really special, something crazy, but a place where crazy things happen is our home," he stated with a smile.
Real Madrid's Fighting Spirit
What is clear is that Real Madrid's fighting spirit hasn't been lost. Although the team suffered in London, Jude Bellingham is an example of how the winning mentality must prevail, even when circumstances seem adverse. At his young age, the '5' has shown remarkable maturity, both on and off the field.
It's true that the 3-0 defeat leaves little room, but in soccer, anything can happen at Bernabéu. And with players like Bellingham, who don't hide the truth but continue to believe in the comeback, Real Madrid can still dream of qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals.