Arsenal arrive at the Bernabéu in a commanding position after a stunning display at the Emirates last week.
Following a tense and tightly contested first half, the breakthrough came via two exceptional free kicks from Declan Rice. ..Continue Reading
Jude Bellingham later remarked that Rice’s brilliance was the only unexpected element in an otherwise predictable match.
“I think the free-kicks were surprising,” Bellingham smiled.
“Fair play to him. That was probably the only thing though (that was surprising), we knew they were a really good team, we knew they had a really good manager and were going to be organised,” he added.
Before last week’s showdown at the Emirates, Madrid’s starting lineup was leaked nearly a full day before the match—and it seems history is repeating itself.
As reported by Relevo, Carlo Ancelotti is expected to make two changes: Dani Ceballos will step in for Luka Modric in midfield, while Aurélien Tchouaméni is set to replace the suspended Eduardo Camavinga.
Raúl Asencio is likely to start at right-back, with Tchouaméni shifting into the heart of the defense.
The projected starting XI includes: Courtois, Asencio, Tchouaméni, Rüdiger, Alaba, Valverde, Ceballos, Bellingham, Rodrygo, Mbappé, and Vinícius Jr.
Although Madrid have never overturned such a heavy first-leg deficit, if any team is capable of pulling it off, it’s them.
Speaking before the match, Jude Bellingham revealed that the word being repeated the most within the squad is remontada—Spanish for a comeback.
“I’ve heard it a million times since last week,” he added.
“I’ve seen a million videos online made by fans and you guys. It’s really motivating stuff. It’s a night that is made for Real Madrid, a night that would go down in history, but also it would be something people are familiar with in this part of the world.
“Hopefully we can add another special night,” he added.
