Jude Bellingham heaped praise on Carlo Ancelotti after Real Madrid’s victory (Image: Getty)
Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham has revealed that he cheekily called out Carlo Ancelotti ahead of his side’s victory over Manchester City in the Champions League. Following a 1-1 draw after extra time (4-4 on aggregate), Los Blancos booked their spot in the final four with a penalty shootout success.
Rodrygo gave Madrid the lead at the Etihad Stadium in the 12th minute when tapping home from close range after a swift counter-attack. City responded well and finally grabbed an equaliser in the 76th minute through Kevin De Bruyne, though couldn’t break a stubborn Madrid down in extra-time.
The Santiago Bernabeu outfit then made amends for last season’s defeat to City in the competition with a victory via penalties, with Antonio Rudiger scoring the all-important spot-kick after Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic saw their efforts saved.
Madrid were ecstatic and knackered in equal measure as they strolled off of the pitch, with Bellingham quickly praising his manager for how he instils belief into the players even when they’re up against it.
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Carlo Ancelotti was caught yawning in the build-up to his side’s clash (Image: Getty)
The England international told TNT Sports: “One of our biggest strengths is that we’re so off the cuff. As a man, he just fills you with calmness and confidence.
“Before the game, I caught him yawning and I said to him ‘Boss, are you tired?’ He went ‘Yeah you need to go and excite me out there’. That’s the sort of confidence and calmness he brings.”
Antonio Rudiger scored the crucial penalty for Real Madrid (Image: Getty)
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Bellingham went on to speak of how hard his team worked to keep City at bay, saying: “I’m dead on my feet at the end of the game so it’s a massive reward. It’s so difficult to keep focus, they move you around and put you in positions you don’t want to be in. Most teams would fall apart when City get on top but we stood up really well and worked hard.
“You’ve got to see [the Real shirt] as a responsibility, not a pressure. You have to be willing to be under the scrutiny and spotlight. If you’re here it means you can handle it so trust the process.
“It’s incredible [to knock out the holders]. Today it’s come down to mentality, to running, to track [players]…you get that right and then the moments like the lads keeping their heads in penalties, it’s a mix of that.”
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1889695/Jude-Bellingham-Real-Madrid-Man-City-Carlo-Ancelotti