Bellingham and Ceballos react after Manchester City 2-3 Real Madrid – ‘A very strange game’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham reflected on the team’s latest Champions League clash, describing the match as unusual given how well they performed yet still found themselves trailing.

Despite that, the Spanish giants pulled off a remarkable comeback, securing a 3-2 victory at the Etihad Stadium— their first-ever win at the venue— and putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Bellingham played a crucial role in the turnaround, scoring to put Real Madrid in control of the tie. The Englishman acknowledged that the match was not easy despite their dominant football.

Bellingham’s take on the match

He pointed out that, although they delivered what he considered their best performance of the season, the team still had to fight hard to overcome the challenge posed by Manchester City.

“It was a very strange game. We played the best football of the season and we were still losing. I thought we played very well and created a lot of chances. We always had the confidence that we would score,” he began saying.

Jude Bellingham scored the winner against Man City. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Real Madrid had numerous opportunities, and their belief never wavered. No matter how strong their opponents were, Bellingham was determined to capitalise on their chances when they arrived.

“I don’t care how City are because they are still an incredible team. It’s always difficult to play against them and in the end, we took our chances,”

He also highlighted the significance of taking a lead back to the Bernabéu, where the home crowd is expected to play a crucial role.

With the tie still open, Bellingham expressed confidence that Madrid could finish the job in front of their own fans.

“It’s always good to come home with an advantage and I’m sure the Bernabéu will respond. There are ups and downs in these games. We deserved to win.”

Ceballos talks

Ceballos conceded a penalty against Man City. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Dani Ceballos credited Real Madrid’s mentality as a key factor in their success against Manchester City.

The Spanish midfielder felt that the team created plenty of chances throughout the game and that the result could have been even more comfortable.

However, a controversial penalty call complicated matters, forcing them to dig deep to regain control.

“It was an unfair game; from the beginning to the end, we created many chances. With the game under control, there was a dubious play (in which) (the referee) ended up calling a penalty.

“The game was getting complicated for us. But we have the Real Madrid DNA to get through a difficult game. It’s a shame that they scored their first early goal, but this is the attitude for the return match,” he noted.

Praising the defence

Dani ceballos praised Real Madrid’s defence. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

He also praised Madrid’s defensive commitment, emphasising that it was not just a one-off performance but part of an ongoing improvement in their game.

He insisted that their pressing and collective effort off the ball were just as important as their attacking quality. If they continued to apply the same intensity, Madrid would remain a team capable of competing with and defeating the best sides in Europe.

“I would like to emphasise that it is not just today, we have been playing very good games. We have to play with this attitude every game.

“We cannot look at the opponent, if the four up front run like today, press, if we all run, everything is easier. We are a team capable of beating the best by playing well without the ball,” he added.

With the return leg at the Bernabéu on the horizon, Real Madrid will look to build on this strong display and secure their place in the next round.

Source: Mundo Deportivo