Real Madrid top scorer Jude Bellingham has played down a suggestion that Manchester City will be favourites to reach the Uefa Champions League semi-finals at the Spanish club’s expense in their last-eight decider.
The teams shared a 3-3 draw in the first leg, which City could see as a promising omen after beating Madrid 5-1 on aggregate courtesy of a 4-0 victory in their home semi-final second leg in the competition last season.
“They are treble winners and an amazing team,” said Bellingham, referencing City’s Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League triumphs in 2022/23.
“But that is the impression from the outside. I don’t go to the bookies, so I don’t see the favourites.
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“We are a pretty good team ourselves. We trust in ourselves and the ability in the changing room.
“I’ve been on the end of big defeats before. You can understand the frustration but it is a new game – you don’t start 4-0 down. The lads have spoken a bit about it, but are professional and will let that be the past.”
Bellingham transfer ‘a good decision’
Madrid’s 14 Champions League wins make them the most successful team in the history of the competition, and they have arguably the world’s best player this season in Bellingham, who joined them for an initial £88.9 million from Borussia Dortmund in June.
The 20-year-old has had an astonishing debut campaign for the Liga leaders, producing 20 goals and 10 assists in 34 appearances.
Who will come out on top in Round 2? 😏#UCL PIC.TWITTER.COM/HCFQ4HXWE1
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) APRIL 15, 2024
“I feel I have made good decisions,” Bellingham said of his move from Birmingham City to Dortmund as a 17-year-old in 2020 and subsequent switch to Madrid.
“It’s a good opportunity for young English players and hopefully I’m showing that. I feel grateful every time in training – that feeling will never feel old.
“I was at Dortmund for three years, I took an unfamiliar path. But there are things I can take back to the national team and chances I wouldn’t have had in England. Playing abroad is a good idea for young English players.”
