Vinícius congratulates Arsenal and Bellingham admits: 'In both matches...'

Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham took to social media on Thursday to share their thoughts following Real Madrid’s painful elimination from the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

The Spanish giants were defeated twice by Arsenal first suffering a 3-0 loss in London and then falling 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu bringing their European campaign to an abrupt end and triggering disappointment among fans and players alike.

The reaction from both players was immediate and heartfelt. Despite the bitter exit, both Vinícius and Bellingham chose to focus not on excuses or finger-pointing, but on unity, resilience, and the goals that still lie ahead for Los Blancos in what remains of the 2024/25 season.

Vinícius Júnior, who scored Real Madrid’s only goal in the tie, was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise lackluster performance across both legs. The Brazilian winger used his Instagram and Twitter accounts to share a message of gratitude and determination. In his post, he congratulated Arsenal for their deserved qualification to the semi-finals and emphasized the need for the squad and the fans to remain united as they chase the remaining silverware.

“Madrid always comes back!! Thank you for the constant support. We need to stay united for what’s left of the season. There are still titles we can win. To the death with this team and this club. Hala Madrid! Congratulations to Arsenal and best of luck,” Vinícius wrote.

His message struck a chord with supporters who were frustrated by the team’s underwhelming performance but appreciated the forward’s acknowledgment and sportsmanship. It also reflected the mindset of a player who, despite his young age, has become one of the emotional leaders of the squad and a reference point for the club’s future.

Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who joined Real Madrid last summer and has quickly become a fan favorite thanks to his performances and leadership, echoed Vinícius' sentiments. In his own social media statement, the English midfielder admitted the team had not met the high standards expected at a club like Real Madrid, especially in the Champions League, where expectations are unmatched and the margin for error is razor thin.

“We simply didn’t live up to the expectations of this club in either leg. Sorry, madridistas we understand how much these nights and this competition mean to you. There are still opportunities to salvage the season, but only if we stay united. Real Madrid will return!” Bellingham posted.

His words, though brief, carried weight. Bellingham's maturity and self-awareness have been widely praised since his arrival in Madrid. Acknowledging the club’s underperformance instead of hiding behind excuses showed not only accountability but a deep understanding of what it means to wear the white shirt of Real Madrid.

Both messages come at a critical time for the club. The Champions League exit has intensified speculation surrounding head coach Carlo Ancelotti, whose future remains uncertain. Despite the disappointment in Europe, Madrid are still alive in two other major competitions. They trail FC Barcelona by four points in LaLiga, with five games remaining, and are set to face their Catalan rivals in the Copa del Rey final on April 26. Additionally, Real Madrid will participate in the Club World Cup later this year, offering yet another shot at silverware.

For many, the character shown by Vinícius and Bellingham reflects a locker room that, despite recent setbacks, remains focused and committed. Their public messages are part of a broader effort to rally the fanbase and reinforce the belief that Real Madrid is not done yet. Historically, the club has thrived under pressure and bounced back from disappointment, and both players seem intent on carrying that tradition forward.

Real Madrid fans, known for their passion and demand for excellence, may not easily forget the elimination, but the unity and accountability shown by their star players provide a glimmer of hope. The road ahead is challenging, but with leaders like Vinícius and Bellingham, Madridistas can still dream of finishing the season with success—and perhaps a bit of redemption.