New footage has highlighted Jude Bellingham’s gamesmanship tactics before Bukayo Saka’s penalty miss against Real Madrid.
The Arsenal star saw his spot kick saved by Thibaut Courtois in the first-half of their Champions League quarter-final second leg, but this didn’t stop the Gunners from progressing into the semi-finals.
AFPSaka fluffed his chance to settle the nerves early on in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final second leg[/caption]
With Los Blancos heading into the clash 3-0 down after defeat at the Emirates Stadium, their task looked to have been made even greater when the Gunners were awarded a penalty in the tenth minute.
Raul Asencio was adjudged to have fouled Mikel Merino, but only after a lengthy VAR check to confirm the decision.
And it was during the long wait that Bellingham appeared to try and get inside Saka’s head, as captain Martin Odegaard picked up the ball and waited by the penalty spot.
But the Madrid star clearly knew his England teammate would be taking the spot kick, and made his way over to him inside the D.
Unseen footage shared by BBC Sport shows Bellingham putting his hand on Saka’s back, before whispering in his ear.
While it is not known what the England midfielder said to his compatriot, it was most likely an attempt at some dark arts, given the huge task in hand for Carlo Ancelotti‘s side.
Saka did not seem to respond, but was denied from 12 yards just moments later, as Courtois easily saved his Panenka penalty.
With Bellingham’s role in this only being revealed after the Gunners’ 2-1 victory, fans had their say on his perceived gamemanship.
One wrote: “Jude won’t be saying anything else, after not only losing on aggregate but losing in full time at home as well.
“Well played Bukayo. Keep going.”
Credit: X: @BBCSportBellingham appeared to whisper something in Saka’s ear shortly before his first-half penalty[/caption]
Credit: X: @BBCSportThe England midfielder also put his hand on his international teammate’s back as he addressed him[/caption]
On his midfield battle with Declan Rice, another joked he had asked: “Can you let me know how I can escape from Declan’s pocket, Bukayo?”
A third commented: “Give us a chance please.”
Despite the setback, Saka picked himself up to put Arsenal ahead when he chipped Courtois in the second half.
Vinicius Junior briefly gave Real hope with his equaliser minutes later, before Gabriel Martinelli bagged a stoppage time winner to give the Gunners a 2-1 victory on the night, and a 5-1 aggregate win.
While Bellingham’s tactics had no impact on the result this time, it isn’t the first occasion he has tried to intervene in the build-up to a penalty.
In a Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich last season, the 21-year-old was seen speaking to Harry Kane as he prepared to take his spot kick.
Belllingham is believed to have said to the Three Lions skipper: “You going to kick it to the left?” before he converted from 12 yards.
“To be honest I don’t know what he was saying. He was mumbling… I’d have to ask him what he said,” Kane said when asked about the incident after the game.
“Once I’m in that moment I’m in that zone and I block everything out but I’m sure he was saying something to try and put me off! Thankfully it was okay for me.”
While his side would ultimately progress in their final four clash with Bayern last term before going on to win the entire tournament, Real will not be able to defend their title after defeat to Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta‘s side will now face Paris Saint-Germain in their semi-final encounter, as they bid to reach just their second Champions League final, and win the tournament for the first time in their history.
GettyBellingham found himself nullified in both legs against Arsenal, failing to register any goal contributions[/caption]
