At a glance
- Real Madrid trail Bayern Munich 2-1 in the Champions League quarterfinals.
- Ahead of the second leg, Jude Bellingham said “it’s all or nothing” for the decider in the Allianz Arena.
- Bellingham could start given Aurelien Tchouameni’s suspension.
Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham doesn’t want a pity party ahead of the Champions League quarterfinal second leg against Bayern Munich on Wednesday.
Los Blancos need to overturn a 2-1 disadvantage to reach the last four, and Bellingham isn’t looking to point fingers elsewhere for his team’s shortcomings.
“I think it will be tough, and it’s our fault we’re behind on the scoreboard,” Bellingham said at a prematch press conference on Tuesday.
“It will be a very long tie, and we must start strong. Any loss is a disaster, and given where we are, this is a final. There’s a lot at stake, and we have to play well. It’s all or nothing. That’s our mentality, and we won’t hide. We believe because we have no other chances. It’s a game we have to play and win,” he stressed.
Bellingham fancies his chances of starting for Real Madrid
Backed by Luis Figo to get the nod at the Allianz Arena, the Englishman said “I feel good” when asked about his physical condition.
“It’s frustrating to be injured; I missed the start of the season because of my shoulder, and these last two months have been frustrating.
“The most challenging part is coming back from an injury and mentally preparing for matches. The more minutes you play, the better, and that boosts your confidence and helps you improve little by little.”
He also put forward his case to play in a number of roles
A Pichichi contender in his first season, Bellingham noted that he “played more advanced in the diamond with players on the flanks” then in 2023/2024 – a double-winning campaign – under Carlo Ancelotti.
“But my position has changed. In the second year, I was more to the left, and with Alvaro Arbeloa further back. I can play at a high level in several positions, and maybe that’s both good and bad because you never have a fixed position. You have to adapt. When I’m scoring goals, I want to score more, but you have to find balance because I also need to defend,” he concluded.
On Wednesday, if he starts, Bellingham is more likely to get the nod in a retreated midfield position partnering Fede Valverde.
