Jude Bellingham has broken his silence after reports emerged of a tense training ground incident that threatened to derail Real Madrid’s preparations for their Champions League quarter-final. The 21-year-old midfielder issued a rallying call to supporters just days before Los Blancos host Arsenal in a do-or-die second leg.
The England international was reportedly involved in a heated confrontation with team-mate Antonio Rudiger during a training session on Friday. According to Spanish journalist Edu Aguirre of El Chiringuito, the clash unfolded during a small-sided game and was sparked by a challenge Rudiger made on Bellingham. The midfielder is said to have reacted angrily, allegedly hurling an insult at the German defender, prompting teammates to step in and separate the two. While tempers briefly flared, the incident has been downplayed by sources close to the club, with many viewing it as a minor dispute typical in high-stakes environments like Madrid’s training ground.
Despite the confrontation, both Bellingham and Rudiger were included in the matchday squad for Sunday’s La Liga clash with Alaves. Carlo Ancelotti opted to rest both players from the starting XI, a decision that raised eyebrows but may have been motivated as much by tactical rotation as recent tensions. With Kylian Mbappe sent off early in the first half, the game turned into a gritty battle, and Ancelotti turned to Bellingham and Vinicius Jr to help preserve Madrid’s slender advantage. The pair came on with half an hour to go and helped guide the ten-man hosts to a crucial domestic win.
That result, however, is likely to be overshadowed by the upcoming showdown against Arsenal at the Bernabéu on Wednesday. Real Madrid face a mammoth task, trailing 3-0 after a humbling first-leg defeat in North London. Mikel Arteta’s side were ruthless at the Emirates Stadium, with Bellingham’s international colleague Declan Rice stealing the spotlight. Rice struck twice with stunning free-kicks before Spanish midfielder Pedri added a third, putting the 15-time European champions on the brink of an early exit.
Ancelotti, though, has refused to hit the panic button. His focus is firmly on Wednesday night, where Madrid will need to draw on their wealth of Champions League experience to overturn the deficit. The Italian coach has been here before—so have many of his players—and history has shown that Real Madrid often thrive when their backs are against the wall.
Bellingham, one of Madrid’s standout performers this season, has not publicly commented on the training bust-up with Rudiger, but his social media activity after the Alaves game sent a clear message. Posting to his Instagram stories, he wrote: “Believe! See you Wednesday Madridistas!” The words, though brief, struck a chord with the fanbase and echoed the spirit that has defined so many of Madrid’s miraculous European nights.
While tensions in training might raise concerns elsewhere, at Real Madrid such flare-ups are seen as part of the competitive fire that fuels the club’s relentless pursuit of trophies. For Bellingham, who has already established himself as a leader in the dressing room, the incident appears to be firmly behind him. His focus, like the rest of the squad’s, is now on turning the tide against Arsenal.
If there’s any team capable of pulling off a three-goal comeback under the lights at the Bernabéu, it’s Real Madrid. And with players like Bellingham rallying the faithful, the belief is still burning strong.