Real Madrid Star Bellingham Makes Champions League History
Jude Bellingham reflected on Real Madrid's recent Champions League match against Liverpool, admitting defensive struggles in the second half. He said,
"I think the score reflects the game. In the second half, they created more chances, and we didn’t defend well on set pieces. In the first half, we controlled it well, but in the second half, not so much. When they scored in the second half, we wanted to push hard and lost possession a lot, giving them many more opportunities when we were at our most vulnerable."
Bellingham’s Season Performance
Bellingham has scored three goals and provided one assist in 10 appearances this season. He is steadily improving after recovering from a shoulder operation.
Coach Xabi Alonso’s Comments on the Match
Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso acknowledged the team’s difficulties in attack against Liverpool. He said,
"I don’t feel like we were physically outmatched or lost any duels. The game was demanding, played at a high tempo. We lacked a cutting edge in the final third; it came down to details. We talked about it at halftime; we conceded a lot of fouls and corners, but that goal gave them the advantage, and it cost us."
Alonso added that Liverpool’s deep defensive setup made it tough for Real Madrid to create chances. He summarized,
"It was difficult for us to get into the final third. They were dropping deep, and in the box, it was hard to create danger. It was a game that required hard work, gradually gaining ground, and then it came down to the details. In the end, it went their way."
Overall, Real Madrid struggled to convert their efforts into goals, highlighting room for improvement in attack and set-piece defense.
Summary: Bellingham’s continued recovery aids Real Madrid, but recent Champions League struggles reveal defensive gaps and difficulties breaking down deep defenses.