Jude Bellingham expressed confidence that he, along with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior, can perform effectively as a trio for Real Madrid ahead of a crucial Champions League quarterfinal match against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
The midfielder has faced a tough season, battling back from shoulder surgery and dealing with a hamstring injury, contributing to a challenging year for Madrid, where the Champions League remains their only viable path to a significant trophy.
In the first leg last week, Madrid lost 2-1 to Bayern at the Bernabéu, with both Mbappé and Vinícius starting, while Bellingham came on as a substitute in the second half, managed by coach Álvaro Arbeloa.
“It’s been tough; I believe we’ve had several games where our gameplay has intertwined effectively,” Bellingham stated during a press conference on Tuesday when asked about his collaboration with the two stars.
“At times, coordinating can be challenging with two left-footed players [Mbappé and Vinícius], but Arbeloa has found a way to balance things with me positioned on the opposite side a bit more. We have fluidity and the freedom to roam, which can disrupt our organization at times, but with both of them on the pitch, you trust their skills… When everything aligns, hopefully like it will tomorrow. I’ve witnessed it before.”
Currently, Madrid sits nine points behind league leaders Barcelona after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home with Girona last Friday, intensifying the pressure ahead of the Bayern match.
“We want to ensure we’re still competing for something at the end of the season,” Bellingham commented. “This is crucial for us and for the club… It’s been a frustrating season for me, having missed so many games due to injuries.”
“Any defeat in the Champions League feels catastrophic. Acknowledging our current circumstances, we see tomorrow as a final. It’s truly an all-or-nothing game.”
– Ogden: Why Klopp, Luis Enrique are the only managers that can fix Real Madrid
– Kirkland: Real Madrid believes they can overcome Bayern Munich after a lackluster first leg. Are they correct?
Real Madrid’s title aspirations nearly extinguished after Girona draw
Arbeloa, whose future as coach has come under scrutiny following Madrid’s winless streak over the last three matches against Real Mallorca, Bayern, and Girona, asserted that the 2-1 score from the first leg indicates that no miracles are needed in Munich.
“First and foremost, we are Real Madrid,” Arbeloa stated. “If any team can come to this stadium and turn the tide, it’s us. Had we won the first leg, it would not have been unexpected. Their goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer, was the standout player. We are more than capable of achieving a turnaround.”
“The belief is there – from the coach, the players, and the club. Not a single fan I’ve interacted with recently doubts that we are going to win.”