Jude Bellingham admits Real Madrid lucky in Champions League loss to Arsenal

Midfielder says Los Blancos need ‘something extraordinary’ to overturn 3-0 defeat at Bernabeu.

Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid appears dejected during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 quarter-final first leg match between Arsenal and Real Madrid at Arsenal Stadium on April 8, 2025, in London, England. Photo by Vince Mignott/DeFodi Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

In a brutally honest assessment following Real Madrid’s 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg, Jude Bellingham admits Real Madrid lucky in Champions League loss to Arsenal, praising the Premier League side’s performance and expressing concern over his team’s second-half collapse. Speaking after the match at the Emirates Stadium, Bellingham acknowledged Arsenal’s dominance and emphasized that Los Blancos would need a near-miracle in the return leg at Santiago Bernabeu.

“Arsenal were absolutely brilliant!” Bellingham said, according to a post by journalist Fabrizio Romano on Wednesday. “They should have scored more goals. We were lucky to get through with just three goals.”

Arsenal dominate as Madrid falter

The first half in North London offered both teams a chance to test the waters. The goalless 45 minutes might have suggested an even contest, but the real story unfolded after the break. Arsenal unleashed a relentless attacking display, with Declan Rice scoring a stunning brace in the 57th and 70th minutes, followed by Mikel Merino’s well-timed finish in the 74th minute. Madrid’s defense, normally calm and composed on European nights, looked rattled and overwhelmed.

It wasn’t just the goals that told the story. The Gunners finished with seven shots on target in the second half alone, a clear increase from the five in the first. Madrid’s midfield and backline seemed powerless to stop the Arsenal engine as it roared forward.

Bellingham, who wore the number 5 shirt, rarely found the space or rhythm that has defined his standout debut season in Madrid. The 20-year-old Englishman, hailed as one of the best young midfielders in the world, admitted that his team was second-best on the night.

“We will need something extraordinary”

Looking ahead to the second leg on April 17 at the Santiago Bernabeu, Bellingham didn’t sugarcoat the challenge ahead. “We will need something extraordinary,” he said, aware that even a team with 15 Champions League titles will have to dig deep to turn around a three-goal deficit.

Real Madrid’s home form in Europe has often served as a fortress, a place where many great comebacks have unfolded under the lights. From the thrilling 2022 run to last-minute heroics in past seasons, the Bernabeu has seen its share of football miracles. But this time, the mountain might be even steeper to climb.

While Arsenal seeks their first Champions League title, Real Madrid’s legacy in the competition demands a response. For Bellingham, the next few days will be about reflection, preparation, and belief.

Courtois: “We didn’t react well”

Bellingham wasn’t the only Madrid player to voice concern. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois echoed the disappointment, pointing to the lack of discipline and composure after the break.

“We left the opposition free and were not calm with the ball,” said Courtois. “They scored two great goals from free-kicks, and after the third goal, we didn’t react well.”

Courtois, often Madrid’s savior in past Champions League nights, made several saves to prevent an even worse scoreline. Still, he acknowledged that the team will need both tactical improvement and emotional resilience in the second leg.

“The 3-0 defeat was tough,” Courtois admitted, “but we are strong at home, and the fans have to believe in this team because we will give everything to turn this result around.”

Ancelotti’s tactical gamble backfires

Carlo Ancelotti is known for his calm demeanor and adaptive approach, but on this night, even the experienced Italian seemed to misread the tide. His team looked reactive rather than proactive, especially in the second half. Arsenal’s press boxed Madrid in, and the midfield trio of Modrić, Kroos, and Camavinga couldn’t dictate the tempo like they usually do.

Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, Madrid’s dynamic Brazilian duo, were largely neutralized. Neither found the freedom to stretch Arsenal’s backline. Jude Bellingham, meanwhile, was marked tightly, often dropping too deep to influence play.

Ancelotti will face tough decisions before the second leg. Should he field a more aggressive formation? Should young players like Arda Güler or Brahim Díaz get a chance to spark creativity? These questions will dominate the build-up in Madrid this week.

Arsenal’s hunger vs Madrid’s experience

While Jude Bellingham admits Real Madrid lucky in Champions League loss to Arsenal, Arsenal will head into the second leg brimming with belief. Mikel Arteta’s team has grown into one of Europe’s most formidable units, blending youth, pace, and precision.

Declan Rice, whose double sealed Arsenal’s control of the tie, was instrumental in both attack and defense. Bukayo Saka’s energy, Gabriel Martinelli’s pace, and Merino’s midfield dominance gave Arsenal fans a night to remember.

But they’ll also be wary. This is Real Madrid. The same team that turned the tide against Manchester City, Chelsea, and PSG in recent years. The second leg at the Bernabeu is far from a formality.

Madrid must summon their Champions League DNA

Real Madrid’s path to the semifinals now hinges on whether they can draw upon the aura and history that surrounds them in Europe’s elite competition. The Santiago Bernabeu crowd will play a pivotal role, creating a pressure-cooker atmosphere that has often rattled the biggest opponents.

Bellingham’s honest words may sting for Madridistas, but they also serve as a rallying cry. This team, bruised and humbled, has the talent to stage a comeback—but it will require unity, risk, and a moment of magic.

“We will need something extraordinary,” Bellingham said. And extraordinary has always been Real Madrid’s trademark.

From disappointment to determination

The Emirates hosted a masterclass from Arsenal, but the story is only half-written. Jude Bellingham admits Real Madrid lucky in Champions League loss to Arsenal, but the next chapter will be written at the Bernabeu, where legends rise and miracles happen.

Can Real Madrid overturn the deficit? Will Bellingham lead the charge? Can Arsenal keep their composure against Europe’s most decorated club?

April 17 is marked on the calendar—and the world will be watching.