Jude Bellingham's starring role in Real Madrid's 6-1 Champions League rout has sparked renewed momentum under Álvaro Arbeloa. Betting angle: favour Real Madrid to score 2+ goals and consider Bellingham as an anytime scorer; a Madrid win or Over 2.5 goals looks a sensible wager ahead of the Villarreal trip.
Arbeloa hails Bellingham as Real Madrid hunt momentum after 6-1 rout
Álvaro Arbeloa praised Jude Bellingham's "leadership" and "winning mentality" after the England midfielder netted in Real Madrid's convincing 6-1 Champions League victory over AS Monaco. The result tops a brief recovery run that followed a Copa del Rey exit and has given Arbeloa reason to call the performance a potential turning point for the club.
Bellingham's contribution and celebration
Bellingham opened his account in the Champions League this season with the sixth goal at the Bernabéu and celebrated with a drinking-gesture aimed at critics questioning his off-field professionalism. Arbeloa highlighted the player's technical ability, personality and character, saying: "The effort he made the other day was marvellous."
Form, fitness and statistics
Bellingham returned from shoulder surgery last summer and has made 16 LaLiga appearances in 2025-26, scoring four goals and providing three assists, alongside two Champions League strikes. Arbeloa stressed Bellingham's youth and experience as an ideal mix for Real Madrid going forward: "He's a player with a winning mentality who has everything a Real Madrid player needs."
Team outlook: can Monaco be the turning point?
Arbeloa, who took charge last week, said he wants the Monaco win to mark a change in fortunes. "In the 10 days I've been coach, with what I've seen, I want the Monaco game to be a turning point," he said. The squad have responded positively in training, and Arbeloa believes that desire to work gives him confidence despite the need for improvements.
Up next — Villarreal and squad news
Real Madrid travel to third-placed Villarreal on Saturday, sitting a point behind the league leaders. Arbeloa confirmed forward Rodrygo will return from injury to join the squad. He also named Vinícius Júnior MVP of the Monaco game but said contract matters are between the player and the club: "My job is getting the best out of the players."
Contract context
Contract renewal chatter continues around key players, with financial hurdles remaining to be resolved. Arbeloa avoided discussing negotiations in detail, focusing instead on immediate performance and team unity as Madrid push to sustain their improved run.
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Álvaro Arbeloa has praised Jude Bellingham's "leadership" and "winning mentality" after his goalscoring performance in this week's 6-1 Champions League win over Monaco, citing the result as a potential "turning point" in Real Madrid's up-and-down season.
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