Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has given a clear picture of the camp’s mindset ahead of their meeting with Arsenal.
The Spanish side will try overturning a 3-0 defeat in the Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Arsenal’s win in London last Tuesday came through two excellent free-kicks from midfielder Declan Rice, which stunned the holders.
Bellingham, who helped Madrid lift the Champions League title last season, spoke to the media ahead of the second leg.
‘Remontada’ spirit drives Madrid ahead of Arsenal clash
When asked about the atmosphere in the dressing room, he revealed a single word that has become a constant among the players.
“‘Remontada’ – honestly, I’ve heard it about a million times since last week,” Bellingham said. “I’ve seen a million videos online, made by fans, made by you guys. Really motivating stuff.”
The word, which means ‘comeback’ in Spanish, has captured the mood among the Madrid squad since the loss in London.
Despite the tough result in the first leg, Bellingham stated that the team still had chances during the match.
Bellingham believes they performed far below their usual level but could still find key moments to score.
He added that even when a team plays poorly, the presence of chances shows there is still hope.
“Normally, when you have your worst games, you feel like you’re miles off it, and there’s no way you can get in the game,” Bellingham added. “But we still had a few chances.
“If we were attentive to the things they did really well, we could be in it. We’re not stupid but confident in the ability we have.”
Tradition and quality could come to the fore
He also cited Madrid’s tradition, quality, and home crowd as reasons to believe ahead of the clash at the Bernabeu.
“What makes us confident is the quality we have, the history of the club, the fans that will turn up and give everything on the night,” Bellingham said.
“The aura of the Bernabeu in these Champions League nights – that’s always something.”
Madrid have never previously scored against Arsenal, and that will need to change if they are to progress to the semi-finals.
Madrid will miss French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, who is suspended after a booking in the first leg.
