Jude Bellingham has supported Real Madrid to get out of a “hole” in the second match Wednesday in the second match against Arsenal in a “made” night for another famous return by Spanish Giants.
Champions League holders Real Madrid Trail 3-0 from the first match following Declan Rice’s stunning blows and Mikel Merino’s goal gave Arsenal a commanding lead at the Emirates Stadium.
The result has left Carlo Ancelotti’s side with a mountain to climb, but their extraordinary history of European returns ensures that the mood remains optimistic between players and supporters.
Bellingham helped Real Madrid win the competition for the 15th time last season, but, speaking at a press conference in Madrid on Tuesday, he admitted that the level of faith surprised him.
“I told him someone another day that has been a strange environment in the last days,” he said.
“Oni one of the worst results we could imagine away from home and, for some reason, everyone thinks it is nailed to what we will return.
“It’s a beautiful feeling, I have to say. It means there is a lot of confidence in our talent. It means you are in a club that is different from any other, the best in the world. This is what it represents and implies to me.
“There is a pressure on this for sure. We will want to offer what everyone thinks, that we can come back. That’s the goal for us. There is a pressure, but that is what is everything, isn’t it?”
Real Madrid is returned only by a first three-goal deficit once in their history, when they defeated Derby County 6-5 in total in 1975/76 after a 4-1 loss in the first game.
But he asked the word he has heard most in the game building, Bellingham said: “Remontada”, Spanish word for return.
“I’ve heard it a million times since last week,” he added. “I’ve seen a million online videos made by fans and you guys. Really really motivating things.
“It is a night that was made for Real Madrid, a night that would fall in history, but it would also be something that people have known in this part of the world.
“Hopefully we can add another special night.
“As for the mentally strong enough, we believe so. You can’t get into games like this thinking that there will be nothing but a comeback. We’re ready, excited and looking forward to it.”
Real Madrid continued their stunning return story in last year’s semifinal against Bayern Munich, progressing to the final thanks to two late goals by replacement Joselu.
They have also shown their recovery powers this season, fighting again from two goals down to defeat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the league phase, then clinking a dramatic victory, late 3-2 in Manchester City in Etihad Stadium.
“There is a reception from Real Madrid since we get into these holes, so we can go back even if it’s really difficult and difficult,” Bellingham said.
“In England, it’s not that common – though it happened. I think Liverpool did it a few years ago in the year they won it.
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“Just because the club has done it many times, this is what is impressive for the size of this club, the expectations are really great.”
He added: “What makes us sure is the quality we have, the history of the club, the fans who will appear and give everything at night, the Bernabeu atmosphere in these Champions League nights – that’s always something.
“Even though we felt we were playing as bad as we could (the first leg), we still had chances and had moments where we could have had a little more capitalized.
“Normally, when you have your worst games, you feel like you are a mile away from it and there is no way you can get into the game. But we still had some chances.
“If we were attentive to the things they did really well, we can be in it. We are not stupid but confident in our ability.”
Ancelotti: We have to play with our heads, hearts … and ‘cheo’
Real Madrid’s boss Ancelotti was in the same optimistic way, speaking the power of fans to help them attract another historic return to the Bernabeu – as long as the team performs at their highest level.
“Fans are very important because they have helped us a lot, especially in recent years. I hope tomorrow is the same.
We need a game at our maximum level to try to turn into a tie that, now, looks very difficult and very complicated.
“Tomorrow we will try to change the thought a little and play a serious game with our heads, our hearts and ‘cheo’
“We are motivated and mentally good. It is important to have cute heads because we have to check the game.”
Asked about the importance of early note, Ancelotti added: “Of course, to score early is an important part of the game.
“But the most important part is to have a good game check. Try to do your best at first. Then when you have that control in the game, you can score every minute.”
