Jude Bellingham speaks out on Real Madrid 'bust-up' claims before Arsenal showdown | OneFootball

England midfielder insists there is no disharmony within the ranks ahead of huge Champions League quarter-final comeback bid

Jude Bellingham has rubbished reports of unrest in the Real Madrid squad in the lead-up to a crunch Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal.

Spanish outlet El Chiringuito reported that Bellingham had clashed with former Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger in training as Madrid prepare to host the Gunners in Wednesday night’s second leg at the Bernabeu.

One may expect tensions in the squad after a dismal Madrid were routed 3-0 by Arsenal in last week’s first leg at the Emirates Stadium, though Bellingham assured the press that the reports were exaggerated.

"For every negative interaction you see, there are 20 positive interactions. That will get lost in the media, which is fine, as long as the team respects each other to have those honest conversations."

Bellingham insisted the Real Madrid squad was more united than ever, all prepared to fight for yet another dramatic Champions League comeback. Key to that will be correcting last week’s shortcomings.

He continued: "There wasn't one aspect of our game in the first leg that was up to the standard we expect of ourselves.

"We know we can play a lot better, and that's what we want to show tomorrow. It's one thing to lose, but it's another thing not to learn.

"I think there's an expectation of Real Madrid that when we get in these holes we can come back.

"In England it's not as common but it does happen. The club have done it so many times, so the expectations are huge."