In the latest buildup to Real Madrid's Champions League round-of-16 clash with Manchester City, coach Alvaro Arbeloa urged fearlessness despite ongoing injury woes. He highlighted the club's prestige and provided an upbeat update on Kylian Mbappe's knee recovery, amid tensions with France over his 2026 World Cup prep.
Real Madrid host Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League round-of-16 tie on March 11, 2026, at the Santiago Bernabéu. This follows a challenging week marked by suspensions and injuries highlighted earlier in preparations.
Coach Alvaro Arbeloa, speaking on March 10, insisted the 15-time champions should not feel inferior: "We are Real Madrid and I think we feel… we never feel less than anyone else. No matter the circumstances, whoever we have in front of us; we are Real Madrid and we should not feel inferior to anyone."
Arbeloa called the match "complicated" against a "great rival," but approached with "great enthusiasm." The clubs have clashed 11 times in the 2020s. He anticipates a "surprise" from Pep Guardiola: "He always has a surprise prepared… you know that he has something different prepared for you."
Star striker Kylian Mbappe, out since late 2025 with a knee injury—compounded by earlier squad absences—shows progress: "He’s much better… This whole week has been very positive. He has returned with great feelings and is getting better every day." Real Madrid pushes for his return for the second leg, but France urges caution ahead of their June 16, 2026, World Cup opener vs. Senegal. Deschamps excluded him from friendlies, though Mbappe travels for commitments and seeks external advice.
