“THEY ONLY KNOW HOW TO CHEAT!” Barça’s Coach ACCUSES Real Madrid After Champions League Draw, But Jude Bellingham Strikes Back With Calm Response That Sends Madrid Fans Wild

The Champions League draw for the 2025/26 season has once again ignited the eternal rivalry between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, not on the pitch but at the microphones. After the official ceremony at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco on August 29, emotions quickly boiled over, turning what should have been a celebratory occasion into yet another chapter of controversy in Spanish football’s most famous rivalry.

Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, visibly frustrated after seeing the draw, accused Real Madrid of benefitting from what he described as an “overly favorable” outcome. His remarks were nothing short of explosive, as he suggested that Los Blancos “only know how to cheat” their way into easier paths in Europe’s most prestigious tournament. Flick’s words immediately reverberated through the footballing world, sparking fierce debates online and across media outlets.

The draw had placed Real Madrid in a group alongside Almity of Kazakhstan and Newcastle United, two sides that, while competitive, were seen as less daunting compared to Barcelona’s group, which featured Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain. To many Barça fans, this contrast seemed like yet another case of Real Madrid being “blessed” by UEFA’s processes. Flick did not hold back in his post-draw press conference, stating bluntly:

“It’s amazing how they always end up with the most comfortable rivals. This is not a coincidence. It’s a shame for football.”

His comments instantly lit up social media platforms. Barcelona supporters rallied behind him, spreading hashtags that accused UEFA of favoring Real Madrid, while others resurfaced old suspicions of “backroom influence.” Some even brought up the infamous Negreira case, though ironically that scandal was tied to Barcelona itself. Still, the accusation that Real Madrid consistently enjoyed “luck” in European draws found traction among many frustrated culés.

But Real Madrid didn’t take long to respond, and their answer came not from the boardroom nor from their manager Carlo Ancelotti, but from one of their most influential figures on the pitch: Jude Bellingham. The English star, already a fan-favorite at the Santiago Bernabéu, was interviewed by TNT Sports just moments after Flick’s accusations started to make headlines. His reply was calm, measured, and sharp—qualities that immediately won him praise from Madridistas.

“We don’t control the draw,” Bellingham said with a smile. “We play against whoever comes our way. If Barça thinks it’s easy, they’re welcome to try playing away in Almaty or at St. James’ Park. Football isn’t won in the draw—it’s won on the pitch.”

That subtle yet firm rebuke electrified Real Madrid’s fanbase. Within minutes, X (formerly Twitter) was flooded with messages hailing Bellingham’s composure and leadership. Memes and quotes spread like wildfire, with Madrid supporters declaring that their young star had “shut down” the controversy with class. Posts like “Bellingham Calla Bocas! 💪” trended among the Madridista community, reinforcing the midfielder’s growing reputation as both a leader on and off the field.

The saga has inevitably stirred memories of past accusations in this heated rivalry. For decades, both Barcelona and Real Madrid have accused each other of favoritism, corruption, and undue influence. In 2018, similar speculation erupted when some commentators suggested Real Madrid had benefitted from a softened draw against Ajax. On the other side, Real Madrid TV has regularly aired its suspicions about referees allegedly favoring Barcelona, particularly in the aftermath of the Negreira scandal. In truth, while accusations are loud and frequent, concrete evidence rarely follows.

For Barcelona, Flick’s outburst can also be seen as a reflection of mounting pressure. Since taking over as head coach, he has revitalized the team’s domestic performances, but the Champions League remains the true stage where the club measures success. Being placed in a group with two heavyweights like Chelsea and PSG means Barça face a grueling challenge right from the outset, while watching their eternal rivals receive what looks on paper like a much smoother path. The frustration was almost inevitable.

Real Madrid, however, appear unfazed. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, when asked about Flick’s remarks, brushed them aside with his usual calmness:
“Hansi is a great coach, but sometimes emotions run high. We’ll see each other in the final—if both of us make it.”

That statement, delivered with confidence, only added fuel to the narrative of Madrid being calm, focused, and ready to let their football do the talking. For Ancelotti and his players, the real battle will begin on the pitch, where reputations are cemented and controversies silenced.

What this latest episode makes clear is that the rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid is as fierce as ever, stretching far beyond the pitch and into every headline, every draw, and every press conference. Flick may have won support among culés by voicing what many were already whispering, but in the eyes of neutral fans, Bellingham’s poised response came across as the ultimate victory in this off-field skirmish.

As the group stage looms, all eyes will now turn to how both giants perform under pressure. For Barcelona, the task is enormous against PSG and Chelsea. For Madrid, the challenge is to prove that their so-called “easy” group doesn’t define their journey, and that true champions aren’t made by luck of the draw but by what they deliver under the lights of Europe’s grandest stage.

In the end, the talking stops once the whistle blows—but until then, the words of Flick and Bellingham will continue to echo, setting the tone for yet another unforgettable season in the rivalry that never sleeps.