Midfielder admits sometimes it’s difficult for the trio to play together but believes they have what it takes to thrive
Jude Bellingham believes he, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior can form a good connection that could be decisive for Real Madrid in their Champions League quarter-final second leg against Bayern Munich.
Madrid trail 2-1 from the first leg at the Bernabeu and face a must-win match in Munich on Wednesday, with the competition representing their final realistic chance of a major trophy this season.
Bellingham, who has struggled with injuries during the campaign, including shoulder surgery and a hamstring issue, acknowledged the challenge of fitting into an attack that includes two naturally left-sided forwards.
“It’s difficult, because I still feel like there’ve been many games where we’ve mixed really well,” Bellingham said. “At times, it can be difficult with two naturally left-sided players [Mbappe and Vini].
“It can be difficult when we’re all on the same side. Arbeloa’s found a balance with me on the other side a bit more.
“We’re fluid, we have freedom to move around, at times that can disorganise a bit, but with both of them, you have to trust in their ability. When things are right, hopefully like tomorrow. I’ve seen it before.”
The England midfielder was used as a substitute in the first leg, with coach Alvaro Arbeloa introducing him in the second half.
Madrid’s domestic form has added to the pressure. La Liga is all but gone with Madrid sitting nine points behind Barcelona after their 1-1 draw with Girona.
“We want to still be playing for something at the end of the season,” Bellingham said. “It’s hugely important for us, for the club.
“Obviously it’s been a bit of a frustrating season for me, my first one like this, missing so many games with injury. Any loss in the Champions League feels like a disaster. Given the situation we’re in, we understand tomorrow is a final. We have to see it as an all or nothing game.”
Despite their recent results, Arbeloa insisted his side remain confident of overturning the deficit.
“To begin with, we are Real Madrid,” Arbeloa said. “If there’s a team that comes to this stadium to turn things around, it’s us. If we won [the first leg], it wouldn’t have been anything crazy. Their goalkeeper [Manuel Neuer] was the MVP. We are capable of it.
“The Real Madrid coach believes, the players believe, and the club believes. There hasn’t been a single fan I’ve met these past few days who doesn’t believe we’re going to win.”
