Real Madrid lost 1-2 to Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals, and coach Alvaro Arbeloa revealed what Mbappe and the other stars said after the match.
Following their defeat to Mallorca (1-2) in La Liga's 30th round last weekend, Real Madrid continued their slump in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals , suffering the same defeat against Bayern Munich .
Luis Diaz (41') and Harry Kane (46') repeatedly stunned the home team, and in the 74th minute, Mbappe reduced the deficit to 1-2 for Real Madrid , but he and his teammates couldn't come back because Bayern had an outstanding Manuel Neuer – who made 9 saves in the match.
Mbappe and the Real Madrid stars believe they can turn the tide in Munich. Photo: RM
As can be seen, Real Madrid improved significantly from the moment Jude Bellingham was brought on (62'). Arbeloa has spoken out to explain why he didn't let the English star start from the beginning?
“ I didn’t want to leave Jude Bellingham on the bench, but we’ve discussed his return and we can’t rush things. We need to take it one step at a time. Bellingham will definitely help Real Madrid a lot when they face Bayern again in Munich .”
Alvaro Arbeloa also revealed the first thing Mbappe and the Real Madrid stars said to him after their 1-2 defeat against Bayern Munich – they all believed in a comeback at the 'Lions's Den':
“ I have players with very strong personalities. The first thing they say to me is: we will win there. We are Real Madrid, there is nothing to be afraid of .”
Arbeloa also declared that if any team could win in Munich, it would be Real Madrid! Photo: Madrid Xtra
The Real Madrid captain regretted that luck wasn't on his team's side in the second half, despite their good performance and being punished by mistakes:
“ If we had been luckier in the second half, things would have been different. Real Madrid were up against a very strong team. We made two mistakes – two unnecessary turnovers and were punished costlyly. The team needs to defend more solidly.”
Mbappe's goal gives Real Madrid hope for the return match. We know it won't be easy, but if there's one team that can win in Munich, it's Real Madrid!
The second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid, will take place at 2 AM on April 16th.