Jude Bellingham spoke to the media on Wednesday alongside coach Xabi Alonso ahead of Real Madrid’s Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Atletico Madrid in Saudi Arabia.

The England midfielder has highlighted the team’s determination to maintain momentum after their 5-1 victory over Betis and stressed their ambition to reach the final.

Bellingham has acknowledged the challenge posed by Atletico: “It will be a tough game against strong opponents. We’ve learned from our league defeat to them, analysed every detail, and taken the lessons on board. I’m really looking forward to it.”

The midfielder has also reflected on his evolving role in a Real Madrid side now featuring Kylian Mbappe as a central striker: In my first season, we didn’t have a natural number 9, so I played closer to the box and scored many goals.

“Now, with Mbappe capable of 40 or 50 goals a season, I cover more areas of the pitch. Goals will always be part of my game—I’ve already scored a few this season—but my focus is on linking play, making runs from midfield and creating chances. I can influence the game in multiple ways, not just through scoring.”

On Vinicius Jr, who has struggled in front of goal recently, his teammate showed support: “Vinicius is under huge pressure. He contributes so much across a match, and maybe he’s experiencing a mental block in finishing, but his creativity and impact are undeniable.

“Goals don’t tell the full story—his assists and playmaking are crucial. When he’s at his best, he’s extremely dangerous. Our role is to support him, and I’m confident he’ll rediscover his top form.”

Atletico Madrid captain Koke has leapt to the defence of Julian Alvarez amid the forward’s dip in form, while sidestepping questions on Kylian Mbappe’s absence from the Real Madrid semi-final.

Koke, captain of Atletico Madrid, has come to the defence of Argentine forward Julian Alvarez, who is currently experiencing a challenging spell of form. Koke stressed that the team “shouldn’t just demand from him” but rather “from everyone”, voicing his conviction that Alvarez delivers precisely when the team “needs him most”, potentially ahead of Thursday’s Spanish Supercup semi-final against Real Madrid.

“We always demand a great deal from top players. We shouldn’t just demand from Julian Alvarez; we must all demand more from ourselves to achieve our goals. Players like Julian Alvarez step up when the team needs them most, and we hope he can rediscover his form, just as he did at the Metropolitano when the team urgently required his contribution. He is a special player. He will be 100% ready the moment the team needs him,” Koke affirmed during a press conference, recalling Atleti’s emphatic 5-2 victory over the ‘Merengues’ last September.

Koke also emphasised the importance of competing for a trophy as captain, particularly when commencing with a derby against Real Madrid.

“Playing a derby is always special, and so is playing a semi-final; opportunities like this don’t come around often. There’s no greater motivation. I always strive to be as mentally robust as possible to fulfil the team’s requirements. That’s my paramount motivation to secure victory, whatever the match. We’re playing against Real Madrid, and what more motivation could one ask for?” he declared.

Furthermore, the Atletico Madrid captain maintained that the outcome of their previous derby clash would not “influence” their approach to the upcoming match.

“It doesn’t influence us. Both teams are intimately familiar with one another. We had our first encounter in the league and delivered a strong performance, but every match is very different,” he affirmed.

Securing a similar result would see them qualify for the Spanish Supercup final. Atletico Madrid, therefore, are just two matches away from lifting silverware this season.

“It’s certainly not an easy path to a trophy, but it represents the closest we’ve been in recent times. We face Real Madrid in the first match, a formidable opponent and one of the world’s elite teams. And they will encounter an Atletico Madrid side that will battle relentlessly to win this title,” he stated.

He also reflected on previous eras at Atletico Madrid, citing former stalwarts such as Gabi or Tiago Mendes, when prompted about the current squad’s leadership.

“Every person is different, and club cycles vary. While that period was beautiful and spectacular, football continually evolves. We have a semi-final against Real Madrid, and we are committed to giving our absolute best to win this title,” he remarked.

Furthermore, he declined to elaborate on whether Kylian Mbappe’s absence for Real Madrid, who is sidelined with a left knee sprain, would impact their tactical approach.

“We know Mbappe’s quality and the immense talent he possesses. He’s one of the best players in the world. I’ll be able to tell you after the match if it truly changes anything for us,” he quipped.

Nigeria’s consecutive AFCON victories, 2–1 over Tanzania and 3–2 against Tunisia, secured valuable points, yet they demand sober assessment alongside celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the wins were deserved, but they did not signify completion. As one analyst observed, “Winning masks issues, it does not cure them.”

For many Nigerians, this tournament transcends medals. The sting of missing 2026 World Cup qualification still lingers, shaping expectations and emotional investment.

AFCON in Morocco represents a chance at restoration — of belief, pride and credibility. Victory would not erase disappointment, but it could stabilise confidence.

Nigeria started both matches assertively, dominating possession, setting tempo and asserting territorial authority, reflecting improved tactical organisation.

Build-up play from defence into midfie.ld was consistent and composed, forcing Tanzania into prolonged defensive spells and limiting their attacking ambition.

Goals from Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman rewarded dominance, yet they also masked inefficiency in front of goal.

Against Tunisia, Nigeria again controlled large phases, remaining organised and purposeful, but familiar lapses surfaced during key moments.

Clinical passages were followed by uncertainty. “Game control means little without finality,” a former Super Eagles defender noted after the match.

Too many promising attacks stalled at decision points. Passes were hurried, shooting options delayed, and confidence appeared fragile.

Such missed chances allowed opponents to remain competitive. Against elite sides, those margins transform pressure into punishment.

History is unambiguous. Titles are secured not through possession statistics, but decisive execution under pressure.

Successful teams dominate outcomes, not narratives. The ball is a tool, not a trophy.

There is temptation to dismiss concerns by citing results or opponent ranking. That approach risks complacency.

Tanzania and Tunisia qualified on merit. Modern football offers no easy fixtures, no accidental participants.

Every AFCON side arrives with preparation, belief and intent to compete until the final whistle.

Body language also shapes outcomes. Visible frustration after errors can quietly erode collective confidence.

Exaggerated gestures or open displeasure isolate teammates. “Public blame fractures unity,” one coach remarked.

High-performing teams protect individuals while correcting mistakes privately, fostering trust and resilience.

Leadership is measured not only by output, but emotional intelligence and composure during adversity.

Encouragement sustains momentum. Sometimes restraint is leadership’s strongest expression.

Off-field realities cannot be ignored. Persistent reports of unpaid bonuses and administrative delays remain concerning.

Such issues rarely surface immediately on the pitch, but they undermine focus, trust and cohesion internally.

Players notice. Coaches feel it. Patterns endure. This is not excuse-making, but acknowledging cause and effect.

When systems fail people, performance suffers. Confidence erodes quietly before results reflect the damage.

Nigeria’s broader national experience mirrors this cycle. Structural failure delays excellence across sectors, including football.

Until governance improves, its shadow trails every campaign, regardless of talent or ambition.

The group concludes against Uganda on Tuesday, Dec. 30, a fixture pivotal to knockout momentum.

The message is urgent: convert dominance into goals, respect every opponent, and finish matches decisively.

AFCON rewards clarity, discipline and courage — never reputation alone. Progress is visible, but the standard must rise.