Real Madrid interim manager Álvaro Arbeloa has confirmed Kylian Mbappé is available for the Champions League last-16 second leg at Manchester City, while Jude Bellingham remains unavailable despite traveling with the squad. Los Blancos hold a 3-0 aggregate lead from Federico Valverde's first-leg hat-trick at the Bernabéu. Pep Guardiola expressed confidence in a City comeback at the Etihad.
Real Madrid travel to Manchester City's Etihad Stadium leading 3-0 on aggregate ahead of Tuesday's Champions League last-16 second leg, with key injury updates providing a boost.
Manager Álvaro Arbeloa clarified the status of star players in his pre-match press conference. Mbappé, who missed the first leg due to a knee sprain, is now fit: “Mbappé is available. You’ll see whether or not he’s ready to start tomorrow.” Bellingham, out with a hamstring injury from the Rayo Vallecano game, joined the squad but will not feature: “He’s going to be part of the training session but he won’t be available tomorrow. I’m happy to see he’s closer and closer.”
Arbeloa stressed maintaining focus despite the advantage: “We have no other objective than to go out and win with the same humility and commitment as in the first leg. Even more so, because it won’t be easy. Humility and ambition are what we need to see tomorrow.”
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola rested his squad amid a busy schedule but backed a turnaround: “We are able to do it,” while highlighting defensive needs against Madrid's counters. Captain Bernardo Silva supported starting Erling Haaland: “The big players are there for the big moments.”
Recent form: Madrid beat Elche 4-1 in LaLiga; City drew 1-1 at West Ham. Kick-off is 8pm UK time. This follows earlier challenges for Madrid, including suspensions and injuries before the first leg on March 11.
