Injury-hit Real Madrid are underdogs as they host Manchester City in a crucial Champions League last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu.
REAL Madrid enter a rare Champions League knockout tie as underdogs when they host Manchester City on Wednesday. The record 15-time winners are plagued by injuries to key attackers Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes.
Manager Alvaro Arbeloa’s inconsistent side are firm underdogs against a City team that beat them in Madrid during the league phase. Pep Guardiola’s Premier League champions have since strengthened with signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, while midfielder Rodri is now fit.
Arbeloa has struggled to instil quality or consistency since replacing Xabi Alonso in January. His primary success has been revitalising winger Vinicius Junior, who now represents Madrid’s greatest threat.
The Brazilian was instrumental in the play-off round victory over Benfica, a tie marred by alleged racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, which he denies. Vinicius admitted feeling “a little tired” after Friday’s La Liga win over Celta Vigo, a match where Madrid relied heavily on him.
By contrast, Guardiola rested striker Erling Haaland for City’s FA Cup win over Newcastle. Madrid’s recent form has been unconvincing, requiring a deflected 95th-minute Fede Valverde goal to scrape a 2-1 victory against Celta.
When asked about his team’s unclear approach after that match, Arbeloa stated simply, “To win the game, which is what Real Madrid plays for.” He has called on the Bernabeu faithful, who have been critical this season, to inspire the team.
“We need them on Wednesday, and they know it better than anyone,” said Arbeloa. “It’s a Champions League night against a very tough opponent. Playing at home, we know we’re much stronger when the Madrid fans are on our side.”
Spanish newspaper AS reports that top scorer Mbappe and Bellingham are targeting returns for the second leg, not the first. Madrid’s injury crisis extends to defenders Eder Militao and Alvaro Carreras, midfielder Dani Ceballos, with David Alaba also a doubt.
Guardiola may look to exploit the defensive frailty of right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. A positive for Arbeloa has been the solid midfield partnership of Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde, who will be crucial in containing Haaland.
The two European giants have met 15 times, with five wins each and five draws. This two-legged tie will make it the third most-played fixture in Champions League history.
“Real Madrid is about fighting until the end, believing, battling,” said Arbeloa, hoping the gritty Celta win could be a turning point. His team will need all that character to overcome a confident City side.
