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'Drowned out by disaster!' - Jude Bellingham's performance against Arsenal praised despite Real Madrid humiliation in Champions League quarter-final first leg

Premier League

Arsenal

Newcastle

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Sevilla

Real Madrid

<p>Real were thumped 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday evening, as <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/kylian-mbappe-real-madrid-superstar-s-reaction-declan-rice-scores-champions-league-arsenal/bltbaeea161d09d5030#csdb90fc5ad9f18aa6" target="_blank">Declan Rice scored two wonderful free-kicks</a>. <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/real-madrid/2025/04/08/real-madrid-arsenal-valoracion-comentarios.html" target="_blank">Marca</a> rated Real's players throughout the 90 minutes, and while they accept that Madrid did not play well, they were impressed with Bellingham's endeavour. </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Real had precious few chances in the second half of the game, but Bellingham registered two key passes overall, and kept driving at the Gunners defence. Marca praised his ability to move the ball forward, even if Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr could not turn those passes into anything tangible, while he was also required to muck in defensively more than he would have expected. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>In their ratings, Marca gave Bellingham a 6/10 rating for the first half, and 5/10 for the second half. Only goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois received a higher overall rating for both halves.</p><p>On the opening 45 minutes, they said: "At the first opportunity he got going, he played a measured ball to Mbappe, who he set up for a one-on-one with (David) Raya. The problem is that he has received very little in advantageous positions to launch forwards. Furthermore, (David) Alaba's defensive problems are forcing him to work harder than necessary."</p><p>On the second half, they added: "A good through ball to Mbappe for Real Madrid's second big chance. He saved Arsenal's second on the line. The little Madrid did do came from his boots, but it was drowned out by the disaster that was the team."</p>

WHAT MARCA SAID

<p>Real face Alaves this weekend but are likely to rest players ahead of next week's second leg at the Bernabeu. Bellingham will need his team-mates to match his and Courtois' level if they are to have any hope of a miraculous comeback. </p>

WHAT NEXT?

'Drowned out by disaster!' - Jude Bellingham's performance against Arsenal praised despite Real Madrid humiliation in Champions League quarter-final first leg | Goal.com

Jude Bellingham&apos;s performance during Real Madrid&apos;s thumping defeat to Arsenal has been lauded, despite the humiliating result. 

&apos;Drowned out by disaster!&apos; - Jude Bellingham&apos;s performance against Arsenal praised despite Real Madrid humiliation in Champions League quarter-final first leg

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