Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham has issued a rallying cry ahead of Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final second leg against Arsenal, calling it “a night made for Real Madrid.”
The Spanish giants trail 3-0 after a humbling defeat at the Emirates Stadium, but Bellingham insists the Santiago Bernabéu is primed for another historic comeback.
“It’s a night that would go down in history,” Bellingham said in Tuesday’s pre-match press conference. “We want to do something that hasn’t been done before in the Champions League era.”
Madrid have overturned a three-goal deficit only once in European competition, in 1976 against Derby County. A similar feat on Wednesday would see them reach the semi-finals, keeping alive their pursuit of a record-extending 15th European title.
Bellingham also praised Arsenal’s Declan Rice, who stunned Madrid in the first leg with two spectacular free-kick goals — the first of his professional career from dead-ball situations.
“The free-kicks were surprising,” Bellingham admitted. “Fair play to him.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, are chasing their first Champions League semi-final appearance since 2009. Goalkeeper David Raya said the squad remains composed ahead of the high-stakes return leg.
“There’s no nerves — just confidence,” Raya told reporters in Madrid. “We’re here to create our own history.”
Despite the intimidating atmosphere expected at the Bernabéu, Raya insisted the Gunners are focused.
“We can’t control the fans or the stadium. What we can control is how we play.”
The winner of the tie will face either Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals. Kickoff at the Santiago Bernabéu is set for 20:00 BST.
