Alvaro Arbeloa claims Kylian Mbappe signed with Real Madrid to tackle big matches like Bayern showdown

Arbeloa described Mbappe as a crucial element in the squad, even though uncertainties persist regarding how the 15-time champions Real Madrid might achieve optimal harmony with their array of top talents sharing the field together.

The French ace Mbappe, who leads the club in goals, missed starting in both fixtures of the round of 16 clash versus Manchester City, a contest that Madrid dominated with style, owing to a prolonged issue with a knee injury.

Now back in form, Arbeloa suggested that Mbappe would probably line up alongside Vinicius Junior up front at the Santiago Bernabeu for the quarter-final opener against Bayern.

"I'm delighted to have that kind of problem, to have outstanding players at my disposal and to have a player like Kylian Mbappe, who came to Real Madrid for matches like tomorrow's and for knockout ties like this one," Arbeloa stated to journalists on Monday.

"I'm sure we're going to see Kylian at his best, leading the team the way he's always known how to do, and I have a great deal of confidence in all the players."

England's Jude Bellingham is also regaining his match sharpness following an injury, and Arbeloa mentioned he would continue relying on the team's elite performers whenever they are fit.

In the City matchup, youthful midfielder Thiago Pitarch and creative midfielder Brahim Diaz contributed significantly, though they might see reduced involvement in the Bayern encounter.

"It's clear Mbappe has different characteristics and conditions to those Brahim has, so we have to play in a different way, but I'm delighted to have this problem," said Arbeloa.

"Just as you mention Bellingham and other great players I have available, for me it's a blessing to be able to count on everyone..." he added.

"Having a player like Mbappe in the team is an extraordinary stroke of luck. I don't know if there's a coach in the world who wouldn't want to have him.

"I put myself in the shoes of the defenders who play against Real Madrid and have to face Mbappe, Vinicius, Valverde, Bellingham... I think they're some of the best players on the planet."

'Incredible' connection

Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior noted that he collaborates effectively with Mbappe, contrary to views that their partnership may not suit Madrid perfectly.

"People talk a lot... 'Kyli' is here to help us, he's always given us confidence, he scores the goals for us, we have to be connected tomorrow, above all with the fans and all the players," he remarked to the press.

"It's a difficult game where the best players make the difference, and Kyli is one of those. I have an incredible connection with him, not just on the pitch but off it too."

Vinicius promised that Madrid would perform at peak levels against Bayern Munich, following a disappointing LaLiga result on Saturday, where they fell 2-1 to Mallorca, positioning them seven points behind frontrunners Barcelona.

"There are days where we are more connected or less connected, and that happened against Mallorca," the attacker clarified.

"We had come from the international break and today, as the coach said, if we're not at 200 percent, we're not going to win games.

"I hope we are tomorrow, because it's an important day for us."

The forward, a prominent voice in the anti-racism movement, also addressed the Islamophobic chants during Spain's friendly with Egypt last week, which drew criticism from Barcelona's young talent Lamine Yamal.

"It's important that Lamine speaks and that can help people," said Vinicius, who alleged racial abuse from Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League game in February, a claim the Argentine rejects.

"I'm not saying Spain, Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, especially in Brazil too, in a lot of countries there are racists.

"But if we continue this fight together, I think that in the future new players don't have to suffer these things and above all, people in general too."