"We’re lucky we only got away with 3 goals" - Real Madrid star makes admission after 3-0 loss to Arsenal in UCL Q/F

Modified Apr 08, 2025 22:01 GMT

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham made an honest admission about his team's performance against Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League. Los Blancos suffered a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Gunners in the first leg of their quarter-final tie at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday, April 8.

The north Londoners imposed themselves on the game, keeping more of the ball (54%) and creating better opportunities. During an interview after the match, Bellingham said (via @MadridXtra):

"We’re lucky we only got away with 3 goals."

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Declan Rice opened the scoring in this tie with a wonderful free-kick that curled around the wall to find the net in the 58th minute. The England international remarkably scored another free-kick 12 minutes later, this time rifling his effort into the top right corner.

Five minutes later, Mikel Merino scored Arsenal's third, a sweetly struck grounded effort that found the bottom left corner. The Gunners managed 12 shots to Real Madrid's nine, with the north Londoners hitting the target 11 times, eight more than their opponents.

Despite the overwhelming advantage that Mikel Arteta's side holds, they will be aware of the threat that Real Madrid possess at the Santiago Bernabeu. The second leg of the quarter-final is scheduled for Wednesday, April 16.

Declan Rice reveals original plan for first free-kick in Arsenal v Real Madrid

After the match, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice stated that the original plan was to cross the ball into the box when he scored the first free-kick against Real Madrid in the quarter-final.

However, the goalkeeper's positioning, which was slightly central, convinced him to hit it directly. Speaking in an interview with Amazon Prime after the game, Rice said (via Express):

"It's been in the locker, but I've hit the wall too many times or it's gone over the bar. Originally we were going to cross it and then I've just seen the wall and the goalkeeper's position. So I thought just go for it. And Bukayo [Saka] said to just feel it."

Rice has been a key part of set-piece situations for Arsenal, taking corners from the left flank and free-kicks. Overall, he's made 43 appearances across competitions this campaign, bagging seven goals and eight assists.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Arshit Garg