Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham admitted that his team was “lucky” not to lose by a larger margin after their 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday.
Declan Rice delivered a standout performance, scoring two brilliant free kicks in the second half, while Mikel Merino added a third to secure a dominant result for the Gunners at the Emirates.
Speaking after the match, Bellingham acknowledged that Real Madrid were outclassed by Mikel Arteta’s side.
He said:
“We’re lucky to get away with just three. We were nowhere near it.
“That’s the reality, and Arsenal were excellent. I know two of their goals were free kicks, but they could’ve scored even more.
“There’s a second leg, and that’s what we’re holding onto.”
