Mikel Arteta hits back at Jude Bellingham’s Real Madrid vs Arsenal ‘remontada’ claim

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta addressed the media ahead of the Gunners’ Champions League test.

Real Madrid await Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, a contest that the Gunners lead 3-0. 

The Emirates watched Arsenal beat Real Madrid by three goals to take a healthy lead to the Santiago Bernabeu, but the job is far from done. 

Around Madrid, talk of a comeback is rising, with fans, Spanish media and players desperate to derail Arteta’s semi-final plans. 

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Mikel Arteta responds to Jude Bellingham comeback claim

Vinicius Junior sent a warning to Arsenal, as did Real Madrid icon Raul, who called on Los Blancos to have faith. 

Arteta will have a different idea of how the game will go, with the Arsenal manager envisioning a repeat of the first half of the tie. 

During his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard responded to Jude Bellingham’s ‘remontada’ revelation, as the Madrid dressing room can’t stop fantasising about a comeback. 

Bellingham told the media that the word ‘remondata’ had been uttered ahead of the clash, to which Arteta responded with Arsenal’s thoughts.

“The same mindset, the mindset to win,” the manager said.

“To be brave, to be dominant, to be determined and to have the conviction that we can be better than them and win the game.”

The Gunners want another win against Madrid, while Wednesday’s hosts are plotting to score at least three goals, making for a European thriller.

After ‘lucky’ first leg, Bellingham has confidence in comeback

The past week has been a time to reflect for both sides ahead of the second leg. 

After the first leg, Bellingham insisted that Real Madrid were ‘lucky’ to have only conceded three goals against Arsenal. 

A lot can change in a week, as the England international flexed his confidence before this week’s clash, dubbing it an occasion ‘made for Real Madrid’. 

“It’s a night that’s made for Real Madrid,” he said.

“A night that would go down in history, but also something that people are familiar with around this part of this world. Hopefully we can add another special night.”

Both sides have confidence in their projects, but the match will kick off with a three-goal difference, giving Madrid a mountain to climb and Arsenal a summit to defend.