Without Mbappe Real Madrid struggles against Manchester City
Infrequently do the 15-time champions Real Madrid approach a Champions League match as underdogs yet that is the case ahead of Manchester Citys visit to the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.
With crucial forwards Kylian Mbappe Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes sidelined by injuries and Alvaro Arbeloas squad showing erratic results the English Premier League outfit emerges as clear favourites in this last 16 encounter.
Manchester City previously defeated Madrid during the league phase in the Spanish city and they have bolstered their ranks since with arrivals like Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi plus midfielder Rodri now available after his extended injury layoff.
Xabi Alonso led Madrid at that time. However his replacement Arbeloa has yet to elevate the teams quality or steadiness.
One of his notable achievements involves aiding winger Vinicius Junior in regaining his sharpness and the Brazilian stands as Real Madrids primary threat against City.
The forward played a pivotal role in Madrids victory against Jose Mourinhos Benfica in the play-off stage even amid claims of racial abuse in the initial match by Benficas Gianluca Prestianni who refutes the allegation.
Vinicius mentioned feeling somewhat fatigued following the win over Celta Vigo in La Liga on Friday as the side has relied heavily on him lately. In comparison Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola spared striker Erling Haaland from duty in his sides FA Cup triumph over Newcastle at the weekend.
Historically Madrid has displayed resilience to advance in Champions League fixtures despite being dominated and they will probably require that determination once more.
A deflected strike from Fede Valverde in the 95th minute secured their narrow 2-1 victory against Celta.
Arbeloa faced questions on his squads tactics given their lacklustre showing.
"To secure the win which is Real Madrids goal" replied the manager. "That is our aim and what we pursued today."
The identical mindset applies on Wednesday whatever it takes.
Arbeloa urged Madrids supporters who have occasionally voiced disapproval towards their players this season to rally behind the team versus City.
"We require their support we need it on Wednesday and they understand that more than anyone" stated Arbeloa.
"This is a Champions League evening facing a formidable adversary one of the top clubs in global football at present.
"At home we perform far better with the backing of our Madrid faithful."
Injury crisis
Rumours suggest Madrids leading scorer Mbappe who netted a hat-trick last season versus City in the play-off phase might unexpectedly feature on Wednesday.
Nevertheless Spanish outlet AS indicates that he and Bellingham aim for a possible comeback in the return fixture.
Madrid faces further issues with defenders Eder Militao and Alvaro Carreras plus midfielder Dani Ceballos out while David Alaba remains uncertain.
Guardiola could target Trent Alexander-Arnolds defensive weaknesses particularly as the England star resumes regular starts. Celta exploited the ex-Liverpool right-backs position to score first last week.
Among Arbeloas few positives since taking charge in January are the reliable outings from Aurelien Tchouameni and Valverde.
They provide the tenacity Madrid must muster to counter Haaland and his teammates.
Across 15 meetings between the clubs each has claimed five wins alongside five draws. Factoring in these two legs this matchup ranks as the third most frequent in competition history.
This could mark the most hesitant Madrid has felt entering prior knockout clashes though they would never concede as much.
"Real Madrid embodies perseverance to the finish faith and combat" Arbeloa remarked post-Celta. "Indeed we can improve in many areas but with the spirit and resolve we exhibited I trust this serves as a catalyst and henceforth things improve significantly."