Jude Bellingham issues apology after Real Madrid defeat and Bukayo Saka incident

Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham could not stop his team from falling to Arsenal in the Champions League and has issued an apology for the side's exit following two defeats

Jude Bellingham has issued an apology to Real Madrid's fans after Real Madrid crashed out of the Champions League. The England star could not prevent his side falling to defeat against Arsenal at the Bernabeu.

After winning the tournament last season, Los Blancos fell at the quarter-final stage after Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli extended Arsenal's advantage to secure a 5-1 aggregate win. Despite plenty of talk over Real's European pedigree keeping them in the tie, Mikel Arteta's Gunners achieved a relatively straightforward progression.

An impressive outing from Declan Rice saw a difficult night unfold for Bellingham and his team-mates in the centre of the field. Arsenal move on to face Paris Saint-Germain in the semi-final.

Speaking ahead of the game, Bellingham said there remained an expectation that Real Madrid would progress, despite facing a three-goal deficit. “There is an expectation from around the world that when we get into these kind of holes that we can come back even if it is a really tough one and a really difficult one," he said in a press conference.

Madrid were unable to live up to that reputation. Bellingham offered his apologies but stated his intention to redeem the season with some success.

"Simply didn’t live up to the expectations of this club in either of the games," Bellingham posted on Instagram. "Sorry Madridistas, we understand how much these nights and this competition means to you.

"There’s still opportunities to save this season but it’s only possible by staying together. Real Madrid will be back!"

Bellingham certainly tried his hardest to engineer a win for Real Madrid. The 21-year-old appeared unafraid to enact some dark arts, even over international team-mates.

In footage released after Arsenal's win Bellingham can be seen speaking to Saka moments before the winger took an early penalty for the Gunners. Saka's effort was ultimately saved by Thibaut Courtois.

Raul Asencio was judged to have hauled Mikel Merino to the ground and while a VAR check took place, Bellingham and Saka seemingly had words. Gunners captain Martin Odegaard initially stood around the penalty spot with ball in hand, before handing the ball to Arsenal's talisman.

His effort was comfortably saved by Courtois, though Saka eventually had the last laugh. Speaking after the game, Saka told TNT Sports: “It can happen. I tried something, but it didn't work. I was confident I was going to score tonight.

"I learn in every moment. Tonight, I am more focused on enjoying the win and then I will review it properly."