JUDE BELLINGHAM RECEIVES HERO'S WELCOME ON RETURN TO BIRMINGHAM CITY

 

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 31: Jude Bellingham, England International and former Birmingham City player, acknowledges the fans as he takes his seat during the during the pre-season friendly match between Birmingham City and FC Barcelona at St Andrew’s at Knighthead Park on July 31, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) Getty Images

Jude Bellingham enjoyed an emotional homecoming on Friday as he returned to St Andrew’s Stadium to watch Birmingham City’s preseason friendly against Barcelona.

The Real Madrid midfielder, who began his professional career with Birmingham before making his move to Borussia Dortmund and eventually Los Blancos, was back at the club where his rise to stardom first began. His appearance in the stands did not go unnoticed, with supporters giving the England international a rousing ovation in recognition of everything he has accomplished since leaving his boyhood club.

Jude. He's home. 💙 pic.twitter.com/4pb6UvXa5x

— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) July 31, 2026

Bellingham made his senior debut for Birmingham as a teenager and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in English football. His rapid development earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund, where he became one of Europe's premier midfielders before joining Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.

"He's one of our own." 💙 What a reception for Jude Bellingham. Special moment at St. Andrew's. #BCFC #KRO pic.twitter.com/6mivDdB6rf

— Inti Official – Co‑Founded Blues 4 All (@Inti_Official) July 31, 2026

The warm reception highlighted the lasting affection between Bellingham and the Birmingham faithful, whose admiration for their former academy graduate remains as strong as ever.

- Managing Madrid

NORWAY BOSS SAYS OVERHEAD WIRE DESERVES AN ASSIST FOR ENGLAND GOAL

Stale Solbakken complains to the officals at half-time

Norway boss Stale Solbakken believes the overhead wires deserve an assist for England's equaliser as the ball dropped down "straight from heaven" despite FIFA’s ball sensor showing no contact.

Jude Bellingham’s brace secured a 2-1 quarter-final victory that went to extra-time in hot and humid Miami, where Andreas Schjelderup’s cross-shot had given the Scandinavians the lead.

Bellingham cancelled out the opener with a smart finish in first-half stoppage-time, with England breaking quickly after Orjan Nyland’s goal kick was cut out.

The ball appeared to hit one of the overhead TV cables, but FIFA says the chip in the ball did not record anything.

A statement from the governing body read: "Before England’s goal in minute 45+2 against Norway, the sensor in the connected ball showed no peak in the 'heartbeat of the ball’ when in the air, and therefore no evidence that the ball touched the overhead wire and changed the movement of the ball."

Solbakken was asked at the start of the post-match press conference whether the camera wire deserved an assist for the leveller, with the Norway boss saying: "Yeah, it probably will.

"That was unlucky for us. The ball fell straight down from the sky, so it changed its direction.

"It became a misunderstanding among our players and it was in a bad moment for us, but we can’t do anything about that.

"I don’t think we will play the game again, so that’s how it is."

Solbakken did not see the ball hit the wire but many on the Norwegian bench did, even if it was not picked up by FIFA.

"I can’t say anything about that because FIFA," he said. If there’s no been no sound or there has been no (reading) in the chip, what can I say against that?

"But the ball drops down straight from heaven says everyone, including Orjan, who is the goalie, including the guy who is going to receive the ball.

"I saw another way just then, so I wonder also what happened. I think it’s pretty clear that it did and it was a strange thing."

It was a painful end to a summer to treasure for Norway, who marked their first World Cup since 1998 by going deeper in a major tournament than ever before.

Put to Solbakken that everyone in Norway will talk about the wire incident until death, he said: "I hope we can think about and talk about other things. That’s my sincere hope.

"I hope that this will not be the story about this team. It shouldn’t be."

- PA

2026 WORLD CUP TOP SCORERS

 

HARRY KANE 'TURNS INTO MICKEY MOUSE'

Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images

Harry Kane scored the winning goal as England beat Mexico 3-2 to book their place in the World Cup quarter-final, but the England captain was forced to end his BBC interview early

England hero Harry Kane was forced to cut short a post-match interview with the BBC after losing his voice following the rollercoaster 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico.

The England skipper netted what proved to be the decisive goal in a thrilling triumph over the tournament's co-hosts at the famous Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The 10-man Three Lions secured their spot in the World Cup quarter-finals thanks to the victory. They are now set to face Norway on Saturday evening.

But in the immediate aftermath of the final whistle, following celebrations with supporters, Kane participated in an interview with the BBC. However, it soon became clear that he had lost his voice, resulting in his responses sounding somewhat more high-pitched than usual and leaving everyone in stitches,

Kane admitted: "My voice has gone!" Coughing and clearing his throat, he said: "It was a crazy game... we had to fight haha, we had to find something, I've just been singing there, I can't really talk but..."

He continued: "All the occasion, the team, everything against us, we found a way."

As he brought the interview to an end, he said: "Incredible, unbelievable support, speechless, I can't even talk!" Before the BBC interviewer said: "Go and rest that voice Harry."

One fan joked: "90 mins at the Azteca Stadium and Harry Kane turned into Mickey Mouse!" A second said: "Harry Kane turns into Mickey Mouse after England's win over Mexico." A third laughed: "Harry Kane channels his inner Mickey Mouse!"

Meanwhile, back in the BBC studio, Kane's former team-mate, Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney, couldn't contain his laughter. He said: "It's the best interview ever!"

England had overcome hostility, altitude and Jarell Quansah’s red card as Thomas Tuchel's side edged the contest. England started well 2,200 metres above sea level when the last-16 tie eventually got under way an hour late because of bad weather.

Jude Bellingham’s quickfire brace silenced the home supporters whose hopes would be revived by Julian Quinones before the break. Mexican belief grew further when right-back Quansah was sent off for a clumsy challenge early in the second half, only for Tuchel’s team to immediately respond through skipper Kane’s spot-kick when Anthony Gordon was brought down.

Raul Jimenez added a penalty of his own to increase English nerves, after Kane accidentally booted Brian Gutierrez in the box, yet the visitors showed defensive nous and togetherness to win on a wild night in Mexico City.

A date with Norway in Miami is the reward as England kept their quest for World Cup glory alive and helped avenge Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ on their return to the Azteca after 40 years.

- Amie Wilson and Neil Docking

KYLIAN MBAPPÉ MATCHES CRISTIANO RONALDO RECORD AS REAL MADRID BEAT SEVILLA

Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo's club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga.

Kylian Mbappe in action. © AFP

Kylian Mbappe matched Cristiano Ronaldo's club record for goals in a calendar year and Jude Bellingham also scored as Real Madrid beat Sevilla 2-0 on Saturday in La Liga. French superstar Mbappe levelled Ronaldo's tally of 59 goals in 2013 by stroking home a late penalty, after Bellingham sent Madrid ahead with a first half header. The victory allowed Los Blancos, second, to cut the gap on leaders Barcelona to one point before the Catalans visit Villarreal on Sunday.

"To do like Cristiano did, my idol, the best player in Real Madrid's history and a world great, it's an honour for me," said Mbappe, who turned 27 on Saturday.

Gaining a third consecutive win across all competitions, after managing just two in the previous eight games, marginally eases the pressure on coach Xabi Alonso even though the performance was still underwhelming.

"We've got some time now to analyse and reflect where we are now," Alonso told reporters ahead of the winter break.

"We want to do better, we're self-critical, we got the three points and now we'll use this time and try to start the year better."

Sevilla, who thrashed champions Barcelona 4-1 in October, started strongly with veteran Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez heavily involved.

Odysseas Vlachodimos made a fine save to thwart Fran Garcia at the other end, and as the minutes ticked by Madrid began to find more of a foothold.

Bellingham headed the hosts in front at the Santiago Bernabeu after Rodrygo Goes whipped in a dangerous free-kick.

The Brazilian forward was booked for diving before the break as he tumbled in the box under little pressure.

Sanchez landed the ball on the roof of Thibaut Courtois's net before the break with an acrobatic effort.

Sevilla coach Matias Almeyda was sent off at half-time for dissent, but his team plugged away in search of an equaliser regardless.

Courtois twice denied Isaac Romero early in the second half, while Mbappe intensified his search to emulate Ronaldo's record.

Mbappe headed against the crossbar and whipped a shot narrowly wide, while Vlachodimos fended off another effort from the forward.

Sevilla defender Marcao clumsily slid in to foul Bellingham after 67 minutes and was sent off for a second yellow card, hampering his side's chances of adding to Alonso's struggles.

Madrid almost scored a second when Mbappe teed up Rodrygo, who lifted the ball into the air and then lashed it towards goal, but Vlachodimos superbly tipped it onto the crossbar.

Mbappe's 59th

Eventually Mbappe got the goal he craved from the penalty spot, after Juanlu clumsily brought down Rodrygo.

The forward sent Vlachodimos the wrong way as he stroked in his 59th of the year, to match Ronaldo's record

Mbappe copied Ronaldo's trademark celebration and said it was a nod to the Portuguese great, Madrid's all-time top goalscorer.

"I wanted to give him a wink because he's always been kind to me," said Mbappe.

"He was my idol as a kid, I have a very good relationship with him, he's a friend now."

Madrid were awarded another penalty when Bellingham went down in the box but it was ruled out after a VAR review showed Sevilla defender Oso got the ball.

The referee then gave Madrid another penalty as Sow fouled Rodrygo on the edge of the box, but the offence was just outside the area and it was again scrapped.

Mbappe whipped the free-kick narrowly over the top corner as he battled in vain to go beyond Ronaldo's mark, but he will have to try again in 2026.

"Scoring 59 goals is not easy, he's got quality and talent -- it's hard to stop him in training," said Courtois, who called on the whole team to take a step forward next year.

"Hopefully 2026 comes with trophies, but for that we have to improve our level," he added.

Elsewhere Celta Vigo rose to seventh even though they could only draw 0-0 at struggling Real Oviedo, while Levante held Real Sociedad 1-1. Osasuna thrashed Alaves 3-0 to go 12th.

- Agence France-Presse

IAN WRIGHT ON JUDE BELLINGHAM: SOME PEOPLE ARE NOT 'READY FOR A BLACK SUPERSTAR'

Jude Bellingham was recalled to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for games against Serbia and Albania having been left out of October’s squad.

Former England striker Ian Wright has defended Jude Bellingham, insisting some people are not “ready for a black superstar”.

Bellingham has come in for criticism in some quarters for his reaction to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win at Albania on Sunday, amid some suggestions he is a disruptive influence in the squad.

But Wright says some people are “frightened” of Bellingham’s success.

“They cannot get to this guy. He is an achiever, he’s a winner, he goes out and does it,” Wright said on the Stick to Football podcast.

“They are trying to build something because England have qualified so easily. They need to have something else to pile on on top of the narrative.

“I don’t think they’re ready for a black superstar who can move like Jude [Bellingham] is moving. They can’t touch him.

“He goes out there, he performs, he does what he does. It’s too uppity for these people.

“They all love N’Golo Kante. He’s a humble black man, gets on with what he’s doing. But if you get a (Paul) Pogba or a Bellingham, and you get that kind of energy, that does not sit well with people. Someone like Jude frightens these people because of his capability and the inspiration he can give.

“Because if you are outspoken, black, and playing to that level and not caring, that frightens certain people. It’s a tiring exercise to speak about.”

Bellingham was recalled to Thomas Tuchel’s squad for games against Serbia and Albania having been left out of October’s squad.

And, amid the ongoing discussions about Bellingham’s place in the squad, Wright revealed he messaged the former Birmingham man before he joined up with the group to warn him of what could happen.

“I sent a message to Jude saying, ‘Be ready’. Something was coming. It’s like a tsunami. Unless you play well and do something, it comes back.

“He said, ‘What’s coming?’, and I told him, ‘Be ready for it’, and it’s here.”

- Jonathan Veal, PA

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10-MAN REAL MADRID DEFEAT PACHUCA FOR FIRST WIN OF CLUB WORLD CUP

Subscription Customers Only] Jun 22, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Real Madrid defender Gonzalo Garcia (20) in action with Pachuca defender Federico Pereira (16) during a group stage match of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susana Vera-Reuters via Imagn Images

Jude Bellingham and Arda Guler scored late in the first half to help 10-man Real Madrid to a 3-1 victory over CF Pachuca in a Group H clash played amid sweltering conditions Sunday in Charlotte, N.C.

Federico Valverde's sliding volley in the 70th minute sealed Xabi Alonso's first victory as Madrid manager. The result puts his side's FIFA Club World Cup campaign back on track after a dramatic 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal in Wednesday's opener, and despite Sunday's early dismissal of defender Raul Asencio.

Real Madrid (1-0-1, 4 points) can clinch a place in the last 16 with a win or draw against RB Salzburg on Thursday in Philadelphia. Al-Hilal play Salzburg later Sunday in Washington.

Thibault Courtois made 10 saves for the victors, though he could do little on Elias Montiel's 80th-minute deflected effort that provided Pachuca (0-2-0, 0 points) consolation.

The Mexican side was eliminated despite leading its Spanish foes 25-8 edge in shots overall and 11-3 in efforts on target. But as in Pachuca's 2-1 Wednesday loss to Salzburg, it was their opponents who had more quality in their attacks.

Head referee Ramon Abatti Abel showed no hesitation in dismissing Asencio in the seventh minute for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity after the Madrid defender hauled down Salomon Rondon just beyond the penalty area.

But after absorbing pressure for most of the opening half-hour, the Spaniards raced out to a 2-0 lead in the half's final 15 minutes.

In the 35th, Gonzalo Garcia's quick flick-on freed Fran Garcia down the left. The latter then picked out the late run of Bellingham, who collected a square ball and slid his low finish past Carlos Moreno from 15 yards.

In the 43rd, it was Guler providing the finishing touch from inside the area on another flowing Madrid move, this time with Gonzalo Garcia providing the final square pass after Trent Alexander-Arnold's first-touch cross.

Pachuca continued to apply pressure after the break, with Courtois forced to push Bryan Gonzalez's early-second half effort over the bar and John Kennedy's 61st-minute strike from distance well clear of his left post.

- FIELD LEVEL MEDIA

FUMING THOMAS TUCHEL ROUNDS ON 'FROZEN' ENGLAND STARS AS HARRY KANE POINTS FINGER OF BLAME

England crashed to a humiliating defeat to Senegal on Tuesday night, with Thomas Tuchel's reign threatening to unravel just four games in as his side were booed off

Thomas Tuchel has been left furious with his England players(Image: Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel said his players were ‘frozen’ as his England team were humiliated by Senegal in Nottingham. England were booed off by supporters inside the City Ground after Tuchel suffered his first defeat as Three Lions boss.

“Felt a bit frozen, not active enough for a long time over the match,” declared Tuchel. “We go into a long break with a bad feeling. It's a disappointing result. I’m not sure if we did not deserve a little bit more result-wise.”

Harry Kane had pounced for his 73rd international goal to give England an early lead but Ismaila Sarr equalised just before half-time. Habib Diarra fired Senegal ahead just after the hour mark.

And home misery was complete when substitute Cheikh Sabaly added a third in added time. Tuchel added: “We conceded two very cheap goals and then had big chances to equalise.

"We didn’t … so the result is the result. It is tough learning at the moment because we hate to lose.”

Harry Kane said there were “no excuses” for the defeat - England’s first-ever at the hands of an African nation - but proceeded to blast Stephanie Frappart’s decision to rule out a Jude Bellingham strike that would have made it 2-2 late in the game.

Frappart was sent to the screen by VAR and gave handball against Levi Colwill in the build-up to Bellingham’s hit. Kane declared: “If you know the rules it's not handball. That gets us back in the game and maybe we can go on and win the game, so it's a big moment.”

The England skipper did, though, suggest his side had not shown enough fight, saying: “We had moments but, with and without the ball, things aren't clicking, we're not finding the right tempo. We've lost that aggressive nature that we had. Not good enough.

The Three Lions crashed to a humiliating defeat to Senegal on Tuesday night(Image: The FA via Getty Images)

“It's a mixture of things but no excuses. We need to find it quick, the World Cup is going to come around really fast so every camp is really important right now. We're not going to panic but we know we need to be better.”

And Tuchel, who defended his decision to only bring on Ivan Toney three minutes from the end of normal time, also said he would be staying calm, adding: “We lost a test (friendly) match so there is no need to panic.

“We have three qualification games, we have nine points, and have not conceded. We will be competitive in September. We will go for two more victories, 100 per cent we will.

“We know more now, we are smarter. It’s tough at the moment. I am the first one to dislike and hate losses like nothing else. But we don’t go next week to the World Cup, we go in one year.”

- Andy Dunn

SUNDERLAND AGREE JOBE BELLINGHAM TRANSFER FEE BORUSSIA DORTMUND AS BID DETAILS REVEALED

Jobe Bellingham pictured after Sunderland's Championship play-off final win against Sheffield United(Image: Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Jobe Bellingham looks set to follow in the footsteps of his brother Jude by moving from the Premier League to Borussia Dortmund, with Sunderland having agreed a fee

Sunderland have reached an agreement with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of midfielder Jobe Bellingham, a deal that could potentially reach nearly £32million.

The PA news agency reports that the Black Cats have brokered a club-record fee of 33m euros (£27.8m), with an additional 5m euros (£4.2million) in add-ons for the 19-year-old sibling of England international Jude Bellingham.

This initial sum would position him as the Bundesliga club's second priciest acquisition, trailing only Ousmane Dembele, while the add-ons would set a new record for Dortmund.

The agreement, which incorporates a 15 per cent sell-on clause for the Wearside team, will see Bellingham follow in his brother's footsteps, who spent three seasons at Dortmund before securing his dream transfer to Real Madrid in the summer of 2023.

He played a pivotal role in the club's Sky Bet Championship triumph last season, but his burgeoning talent has been under close scrutiny by numerous potential suitors – he has also held talks with Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig are known admirers – making his exit increasingly likely.

However, the Black Cats were resolute in their stance not to let him depart for less than their valuation, resulting in a significant increase from Dortmund's initial offer, understood to have been around £20m Euros (£16.8m).

Under the stewardship of Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, Sunderland have embraced a strategy of acquiring youthful talent and nurturing it – they have already transferred Tommy Watson, who netted the decisive goal in the play-off final against Sheffield United, to Brighton.

When asked about Jobe earlier this week, Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris told RMC Sport: "Jobe is also a guy with an incredible personality; it's a wonderful encounter.

"The player is incredibly interesting; he's still very young, and he has enormous room for improvement.

"But his personality is also great - he's extremely competitive, extremely intense. It's a wonderful encounter."

- Joshua Smith

BELLINGHAM: ARSENAL MATCH A NIGHT MADE FOR REAL MADRID COMEBACK

Jude Bellingham insists Real Madrid can produce another historic comeback against Arsenal in the second-leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Wednesday; Carlo Ancelotti called on his side to play with "cojones"; holders trail 3-0 from first leg

Getty

Jude Bellingham has backed Real Madrid to get out of a "hole" in Wednesday's quarter-final second leg against Arsenal on a night "made" for another famous comeback by the Spanish giants.

Champions League holders Real Madrid trail 3-0 from the first leg after Declan Rice's stunning free-kicks and Mikel Merino's goal gave Arsenal a commanding lead at the Emirates Stadium.

The result has left Carlo Ancelotti's side with a mountain to climb but their extraordinary history of European comebacks ensures the mood remains optimistic among players and supporters.

Bellingham helped Real Madrid win the competition for the 15th time last season but, speaking at a press conference in Madrid on Tuesday, he admitted the level of belief has surprised him.

"I did say that to someone the other day that it's been a weird environment in the last few days," he said.

"It's one of the worst results we could possibly imagine away from home and, for some reason, everyone thinks it's nailed on that we'll come back.

"It's a nice feeling, I have to say. It means there's a lot of trust in our talent. It means you're at a club that is unlike any other, the best in the world. That's what it represents and signifies to me.

"There's a pressure in that for sure. We will want to deliver on what everyone thinks, that we can come back. That's the goal for us. There's a pressure but that's what it's all about, isn't it?"

Real Madrid have only come back from a three-goal first-leg deficit once in their history, when they beat Derby County 6-5 on aggregate in 1975/76 following a 4-1 loss in the first game.

But asked for the word he has heard most in the build-up to the game, Bellingham said, "Remontada", the Spanish word for comeback.

"I've heard it a million times since last week," he added. "I've seen a million videos online made by fans and you guys. It's really motivating stuff.

"It's a night that is made for Real Madrid, a night that would go down in history, but also it would be something people are familiar with in this part of the world.

"Hopefully we can add another special night.

"As far as being mentally strong enough, we believe so. You can't come into games like this thinking there isn't going to be anything else other than a comeback. We're ready, excited and looking forward to it."

Real Madrid continued their history of stunning comebacks in last year's semi-final against Bayern Munich, advancing to the final thanks to two late goals from substitute Joselu.

They have also shown their powers of recovery this season, fighting back from two goals down to beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in the league phase, then clinching a dramatic, late 3-2 win away to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

"There's an expectation from Real Madrid that when we get into these holes, that we can come back even if it's a really tough and difficult one," said Bellingham.

"In England, it's not as common - though it has happened. I think Liverpool did it a few years ago in the year they won it.

"It's just because the club have done it so many times, that is what is impressive about the size of this club, the expectations are really huge."

He added: "What makes us confident is the quality we have, the history of the club, the fans that will turn up and give everything on the night, the aura of the Bernabeu in these Champions League nights - that's always something.

"Even though we felt that we played as bad as we possibly could in [the first leg], we still had chances and had moments where we could have capitalised a bit more.

"Normally, when you have your worst games, you feel like you're miles off it and there's no way you can get in the game. But still we had a few chances.

"If we were attentive to the things they did really well, we can be in it. We're not stupid but confident in the ability we have."

Ancelotti: We must play with our heads, hearts... and 'cojones'

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti was similarly optimistic, talking up the power of the fans to help them pull off another historic comeback at the Bernabeu - as long as the team perform at their highest level.

"The fans are very important because they have helped us a lot, especially in the last few years. I hope tomorrow will be the same.

We need a game at our maximum level to try to turn around a tie that, right now, looks very difficult and very complicated.

"Tomorrow we will try to change the mindset a bit and play a serious game with our heads, our hearts, and 'cojones'

"We are motivated and mentally we are good. It is important to have cool heads because we have to control the game."

Asked about the importance of scoring early, Ancelotti added: "Of course, to score early is an important part of the game.

"But the most important part is to have a good control of the game. To try to do your best at the beginning. Then when you have that control in the game, you can score in every minute."

- Nick Wright

DECLAN RICE EXPLAINS THE SUBTLE CHANGE MADE TO HIS FREE-KICK TECHNIQUE DURING ARSENAL V REAL MADRID THAT PAID OFF

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Declan Rice’s two outstanding free-kicks stole the show as Arsenal taught Real Madrid a footballing lesson in their 3-0 victory in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final in what was arguably the greatest night the Emirates Stadium has ever witnessed.

The Arsenal midfielder, who had never scored even a single free-kick before Tuesday night managed to dispatch a brace and make even the tremendous Thibaut Courtois look powerless when the ball left his right foot twice.

In doing so, Declan Rice might have well taken a sizable step towards being deemed a Gunners legend as he produced one of the most impactful performances an Arsenal player has in the club’s rich history.

But after Arsenal thrashed Real Madrid, Rice explained the thinking behind both his free-kicks.

Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Declan Rice revealed looking down during free-kicks helped him during Arsenal vs Real Madrid

Alan Shearer raved about Rice’s two free-kicks against Real Madrid and Arsenal’s man of the moment explained that he has noticed that every time he looks at the ball before striking it in training, the result tends not to be satisfatory.

As even Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham was taken aback by Rice’s free-kicks as Arsenal took the visitors apart, the man himself also explained that when he does not look at the ball — his attempts are often far more accurate and the subtle change he made worked to a tee.

Thierry Henry asked Rice on CBS Sports “But you know what I like with the technique is you whipped it so hard early and you didn’t let your foot go, if you know what I mean, you held it.”

Rice replied: “I feel like when I practice these free-kicks, what I tend to notice is when I make the contact and I look up quick, it’s not the strike I want. When I look down on the ball and just focus on the ball and know in the spot I want to put it in, I tend to have more consistency with it and obviously, that’s a one in a, I don’t know what moment. I’ve been practicing it and it’s come off and to score two, it won’t hit me what I’ve done.”

How Kylian Mbappe reacted to Declan Rice’s second free-kick in Champions League quarter-final

Rice is well and truly a man who is dedicated to his craft — as was exemplified by his post-match assessment after Arsenal’s win against Real Madrid.

If the former West Ham United captain had not put in the hours of practice in training, his free-kicks might not have hurt Los Blancos on Tuesday.

But he did and Kylian Mbappe was caught by cameras being visibly blown away by the second free-kick in particular.

Alan Shearer lauded Rice’s all-round masterclass against Real Madrid and in every sense of the word, he put in a complete display.

Even Thierry Henry called Rice a man “possessed” and noted that he looked like a man with a point to prove.

For years, Arsenal’s mentality when the pressure is at its maximum has been questioned.

But Rice seems to be built of sterner stuff and his fearlessness in attempting both free-kicks from distance shows that this current crop of players are keen to show that they can mix it with the best of the best.

- Srinivas Sadhanand

REAL MADRID STAR ACKNOWLEDGES ARSENAL SUPERIORITY AFTER 3-0 BEATING - 'THEY PUSHED US'

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham did not shy away from the reality of his team’s performance after the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

A second-half brace from Declan Rice – two stunning free-kick goals – and a well-worked strike from Mikel Merino ensured a big win for the Gunners, leaving Real Madrid at the brink of an early exit from the Champions League.

Speaking after the match, Bellingham acknowledged that the Premier League side were superior, and could have inflicted even more damage.

“We were not even close. That is the truth, and Arsenal were really good. I know two of their goals came from free-kicks, but they could have scored many more,” Bellingham told Amazon Prime (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

"They punished us, and that is what happens at the highest level of football,” he further stated.

Bellingham & co. were outdone by Declan Rice. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Despite the heavy loss, the England midfielder expressed belief in a possible comeback when the two sides meet again at the Santiago Bernabeu next Wednesday, echoing the sentiments shared by his teammates Lucas Vazquez and Raul Asencio.

"There is a second leg anad that is what we are holding on to. We need something really special, something crazy. But if there is a place where crazy things happen, it is our home,” Bellingham said.

“We are still alive. We have 90 minutes of football and anything can happen at the Bernabeu,” he added.

Real Madrid have now lost two games in a row, first to Valencia in La Liga, and now against Arsenal in the Champions League.

Up next is another league game against Alaves and another slip-up there would spell even more trouble for Carlo Ancelotti & co.

- Raghavendra Goudar

GOALS/ASSISTS PER 90 MINUTES | ETHAN NWANERI

 

TEN-MAN REAL MADRID DRAWS AT OSASUNA AFTER BELLINGHAM RED CARD FOR CURSING THE REFEREE

Next up for Madrid is a home game against Manchester City on Wednesday when it will try to make good on its 3-2 win in their first meeting of the Champions League knockout rounds playoff

Osasuna’s Ante Budimir celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal during a Spanish La Liga soccer match between Osasuna and RealMadrid at El Sardar stadium in Pamplona, Spain, Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. | Photo Credit: AP
 

Jude Bellingham's use of an English expletive to curse at the referee left Real Madrid a man down and unable to defend a lead as the La Liga leaders drew at Osasuna 1-1 on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappé put Madrid ahead in the 15th minute with his 11th goal in as many league games. But Madrid was outnumbered after Bellingham's red card for using an expletive while protesting the refereeing five minutes before halftime.

Osasuna pulled level after the referee awarded a penalty after a video review and booked Eduardo Camavinga for stomping the foot of Ante Budimir in the box. Budimir slotted the 58th-minute equalizer past Thibaut Courtois to unleash celebrations at El Sadar Stadium.

The draw in Pamplona put Madrid’s league lead in jeopardy. While Atletico Madrid failed to take advantage of the slip and stayed one point behind the frontrunners, Barcelona can pull level with its top rival if it beats Rayo Vallecano on Monday.

Next up for Madrid is a home game against Manchester City on Wednesday when it will try to make good on its 3-2 win in their first meeting of the Champions League knockout rounds playoff.

In what seemed to be a stretch of linguistic analysis, coach Carlo Ancelotti tried to defend his player by claiming that referee José Luis Munuera made a translation error of Bellingham’s use of an English expletive.

“Bellingham didn’t do anything that deserved a sending off,” Ancelotti said. “He said ‘(expletive) off,’ not ’(expletive) you.' I don’t think that was meant to be offensive.”

Munuera wrote in his refereeing report that Bellingham told him "from just a few meters away, ‘(expletive) you.’”

Bellingham said “I don’t want to go into details of what was said” but insisted he was unfairly treated, saying the referee made a translation error and that there was indeed a degree of difference between the expletive when combined with “off" or “you.”

 “It is clear that he made a mistake and there was a miscommunication," said the England midfielder, who got a two-game ban last season after receiving a red card for using an expletive in English protesting a ref's call.

Ancelotti was also shown a yellow card early after he complained excessively for what he thought was a handball by an Osasuna player in the host's area.

Following its loss at Espanyol, the powerhouse sent a scathing letter to Spain’s soccer federation to decry what it considered “adulterated” refereeing that favored other teams. The league president responded by saying that the 36-time champion had “lost its mind.”

The decisions by Munuera aggravated Madrid’s sense of grievance regarding the refereeing in La Liga.

"Things have happened in the last three games that everyone has seen,” Ancelotti said. “The VAR has reviewed plays in our area and not in the opponent’s area. … We just have to keep fighting. We played a good game today and we will try to do so again on Wednesday and in the next La Liga game.”

Mbappé had an up and down first few months while adapting to Madrid, but he has been scoring at ease in recent weeks and has 17 league goals, second only to the 19 by Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski.

Mbappé had an opportunity to bag an injury-time winner but Osasuna goalkeeper Sergio Herrera blocked his shot from an angle.

Osasuna, which beat Barcelona 4-2 in September when the Catalan club was leading the league, moved into seventh place.

Budimir’s goal let the Croatia striker equal an Osasuna club record of 57 career goals in La Liga, a mark set by Sabino Andonegui.

“It is always very special to enter the history of a club that is over 100 years old. I am very proud,” Budimir said.

Atletico Madrid remained a point behind Madrid after it was also reduced to 10 men and needed a late goal from substitute Alexander Sorloth to draw at home with Celta Vigo 1-1.

Pablo Barrios hurt Atletico’s chances when he saw a direct red card for a studs-first slide into the lower leg of Pablo Durán just seven minutes into the match.

"Borja Iglesias earned a penalty when fouled by Robin Le Normand in the area, sending substitute Iago Aspas to the spot to put Celta ahead in the 68th.

Sorloth salvaged a point for the hosts when the Norway striker won a long ball and rifled it home in the 81st.

“After the sending off (of Barrios), my players were gladiators,” coach Diego Simeone said, “because playing 90 minutes with a man down, do you know how hard that is?”

Also, Alaves drew at Leganes 3-3, while a struggling Valencia took a 1-1 draw at fifth-placed Villarreal in a regional derby.

 

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REAL MADRID MISS TOP EIGHT AND WILL FACE MAN CITY OR CELTIC

Real Madrid must go through the Champions League play-offs and a tie against either Manchester City or Celtic after failing to finish in the top eight despite comfortably beating Brest.

A Rodrygo double and Jude Bellingham's strike secured a win for the reigning champions, who needed a win in France to stand a chance of an automatic place in the round of 16.

But results elsewhere mean Carlo Ancelotti's side must play an extra two-legged tie if they are to defend their title.

Brest also go into the knock-out play-offs in their debut Champions League campaign.

After a slow start, Madrid assumed control in Guingamp and deservedly took the lead after 27 minutes through a fine goal from Rodrygo.

The Brazilian, who now has 10 goals in as many matches, cut inside a defender on his right foot, before shimmying back onto his left and striking a low effort in off the far post.

Madrid suffered a mighty scare as Ludovic Ajorque squeezed home a shot deflected off Aurelin Tchouameni, only to be determined narrowly offside following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

Instead, Bellingham made it 2-0 after 57 minutes when he finished from Lucas Vazquez's cutback, and Rodrygo added a third by turning in the rebound from a Marco Bizot save.

Victories for Bayer Leverkusen, Lille and Aston Villa meant it was mathematically impossible for Madrid to reach the top eight no matter their result.

Instead the European champions finish 11th, and will face one of Manchester City or Celtic in the play-offs with the draw to be made on Friday.

Brest come 18th, and will face Benfica or Ligue 1 rivals Paris St-Germain in the next round.

Madrid made to pay for slow start

Rodrygo (left) has scored 10 goals across his last 10 Real Madrid matches

Madrid have been in fine form of late, and have now won their last five games while scoring 20 goals in the process.

But their slow start to this Champions League campaign, in which they lost three of their first six matches, has ultimately cost them automatic progress to the round of 16.

Their vaunted attack in particular has found their touch too late - Rodrygo is now scoring at will, but only after going two and a half months without a goal.

Similarly Mbappe now seems to have adapted to his Real role as a central number nine, but the teething problems that were so evident earlier this campaign - such as the damaging loss at Liverpool - have still cost Madrid in the end.

It means Madrid must now go through an extra two play-off games in order to defend the title they regard as their birthright. While they will be well fancied to reach the last 16 and go further, it will be a sore point for Europe's most successful side that they have to take this road at all.

Brest, by comparison, will be thrilled to have reached the knockout stages of their first ever Champions League campaign.

The French side made a blistering start by going unbeaten in their first four league stage matches, but four winless games in the back half have cost them a top eight finish.

Eric Roy's side did have a tough draw - they are the first debutants to lose to Real Madrid and Barcelona in the same Champions League campaign since Leeds in 2000-01.

- Emma Smith, BBC Sport journalist

KIM KARDASHIAN IS 'IN LOVE' WITH JUDE BELLINGHAM

"I know this is gonna sound crazy but I'm in love with Jude Bellingham." Kim Kardashian

"Since the day Jude Bellingham kîssed me, I haven't been myself. No matter how hard I try, I can't just stop thinking about him. Turns out he's not only good in playing soccer but he's good in everything. I'm older than him but age is just a number and I think I have found my better half in him. He's my soulmate and I so much long for him." Kim Kardashian

44-year old Kim Kardashian has finally found 'True Love' in 21-year old Real Madrid Star, Jude Bellingham. She wants to get closer to him 👀

#realmadrid #judebrllingham #kimkardashian #love

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JUDE BELLINGHAM GRABS REAL MADRID LATE VALENCIA WIN AFTER VINÍCIUS RED

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Jude Bellingham made amends for missing a penalty by snatching 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 victory at Valencia on Friday to take them top of La Liga after winger Vinicius Junior was sent off.

Jude Bellingham made amends for missing a penalty by snatching 10-man Real Madrid a 2-1 victory at Valencia on Friday to take them top of La Liga after winger Vinicius Junior was sent off. Huro Duro sent the hosts ahead in the first half of a feisty clash but Luka Modric levelled for Carlo Ancelotti's side before Bellingham pounced in stoppage time. Vinicius, who squared off with Valencia supporters who racially abused him at the same stadium in 2022, was dismissed for shoving Los Che goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski in the back of the neck with little over 10 minutes remaining.

Madrid were trailing at the time but Bellingham set up veteran midfielder Modric to level in the 85th minute and spark a superb comeback.

Bellingham broke in to strike in the 96th minute after a Valencia defensive error, sending Madrid two points clear of Atletico Madrid at the top of the table, having played a game more than Diego Simeone's team.

"(Bellingham had a) great game, he didn't dip after the missed penalty, it gave him extra motivation," said Ancelotti.

"He made an extraordinary effort... (scoring) was a reward for him for the game he had."

Ancelotti said he did not think Vinicius' push deserved a red card and was surprised by his team's poor start to the match.

"We didn't think it was a red card... he went off and the team reacted, to the red, the missed penalty.

"It's hard to explain how badly we did in the first half and how good we did in the second, even with 10 men.

"It's three very important points, deserved, but we can't show these two sides (of ourselves)."

Los Blancos' trip to face Valencia was postponed at the end of October after devastating flooding in the region on Spain's east coast.

Sitting 19th, Valencia appointed Carlos Corberan to replace former coach Ruben Baraja during the winter break, pinching the Spaniard from English Championship club West Bromwich Albion.

The hosts made a strong start, shackling Madrid's star-studded attack before making the breakthrough after 27 minutes.

Dimitri Foulquier cut the ball back for Javi Guerra, whose shot was superbly saved by Thibaut Courtois but Duro turned the rebound into the empty net.

'Thanks team'

Mbappe was kept silent in the first half but a burst of pace in behind early in the second earned Madrid a penalty, when Tarrega was adjudged to have brought him down.

Bellingham was tasked with dispatching the spot kick but jumped just before he struck the ball and skidded a low effort against the post.

Replays indicated Valencia goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski was off his line when the penalty was taken, but it was not spotted by the officials.

Mbappe, who missed two penalties for Madrid before Christmas himself, thought he had pulled Los Blancos level when he skipped around Dimitrievski and tucked home, but he was fractionally offside.

Madrid were reduced to 10 men when Vinicius shoved Dimitrievski in the back of the neck after Valencia's goalkeeper had pushed him, after the Brazilian hit the deck under a fair challenge in the box.

Despite their numerical disadvantage Madrid pulled level when Bellingham nudged the ball through for substitute Modric, 39, to stab home.

The former Borussia Dortmund man snatched the winner when Foulquier's poor pass put team-mate Hugo Guillamon under pressure, and Bellingham raced on to his attempted back pass to finish with aplomb.

It was his sixth goal in his last seven games across all competitions, with Bellingham once again showing the goalscoring form that helped him become an instant hit with Madrid last season.

"Sorry and thanks team," said Vinicius on social media platform X after his colleagues spared his blushes.

Valencia's Luis Rioja struck the post with a vicious effort from distance in the 100th minute, inches away from snatching his side a last-gasp draw.

Valencia, who have not won in La Liga since November, are four points from safety.

"I don't care (about scoring), the important thing was the three points and we didn't get them," said goalscorer Duro.

"I hope I don't score a single goal in the rest of the season and we win the rest of our games 1-0 with an own goal."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

- Agence France-Presse