- Real Madrid will visit Arsenal in the first leg of their quarter-final on Tuesday
- Madrid star Jude Bellingham has never previously played against the Gunners
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Jude Bellingham paid tribute to his Birmingham roots in style on Monday as he stepped off a plane at Gatwick Airport wearing an outfit straight out of Peaky Blinders.
The Real Madrid star, who was born and raised in Stourbridge on the outskirts of Birmingham, cut a dashing figure in a flat cap and sleek black outfit reminiscent of the iconic BBC gangster series set in his home city.
Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby might be the most famous Birmingham face in recent years, but Bellingham is giving him strong competition.
With a serious stare, tailored coat and that unmistakable cap, the 21-year-old looked every inch the modern-day Peaky Blinder as he touched down in London with Real Madrid ahead of Tuesday night’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal.
Madrid’s players landed on Monday afternoon and headed straight to their team hotel, where they will finalise preparations for the mouthwatering clash at the Emirates.
And while Bellingham’s fashion sense grabbed the headlines, there’s serious business at hand. The former Birmingham City midfielder is expected to start on Tuesday night in what will be his first-ever appearance against Arsenal.
Jude Bellingham (left) arrived in London along with his Real Madrid team-mates on Monday
Bellingham is one of Birmingham’s most famous faces but he looked like another Brummie icon
His choice of headwear made him resemble Peaky Blinders main character Tommy Shelby
He has already made a seismic impact in Spain since joining Madrid last summer, with 36 goals in his first 84 appearances, and will once again be the man Carlo Ancelotti looks to for inspiration.
Ancelotti, who has a solid personal record against Arsenal (seven wins from 13 meetings) brings his side to north London amid a growing injury crisis.
But Thibaut Courtois, who has been sidelined with a knee issue recently, has travelled with the squad and could return between the posts.
Third-choice teenager Fran Gonzalez started Saturday’s 2-1 defeat by Valencia, failing to make a single save as Madrid slipped up in the LaLiga title race.
Aurelien Tchouameni will be suspended on Tuesday, while Dani Carvajal, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao and former Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos are all unavailable.
Veteran Luka Modric may return to the starting XI, with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr expected to lead the attacking line. The pair have 53 goals between them this season and will be expected to provide a stern test to Arsenal’s backline.
Real Madrid will be hoping Bellingham can help them break new ground against the Gunners.
The Spanish giants have never beaten Arsenal in a competitive fixture, losing 1-0 on aggregate when the sides met in the Champions League last 16 back in 2006.
Keeper Thibaut Courtois has travelled to London and could return from his latest injury lay-off
Arsenal’s defenders could have a tough time trying to keep Vinicius Junior under control
After Arsenal host Madrid in the first leg, their quarter-final will conclude in Spain on April 16
Thierry Henry famously scored the winner at the Bernabeu before Arsenal held out for a goalless draw in the return leg at Highbury.
The teams have met in friendlies since – most recently a penalty shootout win for Madrid in 2019 – but the competitive record remains firmly in Arsenal’s favour.
Whoever prevails from their latest battle will meet Paris Saint-Germain or Aston Villa in the semi-finals.
Either of those opponents would provide excellent storylines were Madrid to get through, with Mbappe returning to PSG or Bellingham going back to his home city.
