Arbeloa's Bold Mbappe and Bellingham Decisions Shake Up Real Madrid's Lineup Against Man City
Having secured a commanding position for the quarterfinals, Real Madrid head to the Etihad Stadium to face Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 second leg this Tuesday.
Álvaro Arbeloa's injury-hit team delivered a shocking performance against City last Wednesday at the Bernabéu. Federico Valverde's spectacular hat-trick propelled the home side to a commanding 3–0 triumph, providing Los Blancos with a substantial cushion for the return fixture.
While there remains work to be done in Manchester, Real Madrid will fancy their prospects of eliminating their European opponents for the fourth occasion in five recent Champions League encounters, particularly with several crucial players returning from injury.
Star Players Back for Epic Encounter
Star Players Back for Epic Encounter
Real Madrid have emerged from their crippling injury nightmare. Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham made the trip to Manchester and are ready for selection in the second leg, although they'll probably only feature if circumstances turn unfavorable for the away team.
Álvaro Carreras has also bounced back from his slight calf problem and is expected to start on the left wing with Ferland Mendy sidelined due to a hamstring complaint for Tuesday's encounter. David Alaba's comeback provides another defensive reinforcement for Arbeloa despite the unavailability of Éder Militão and Raúl Asencio.
Nevertheless, Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rüdiger will anchor the central defense, with a refreshed Trent Alexander-Arnold completing the defensive unit.
The sidelined Rodrygo and Dani Ceballos remain the only other absentees, giving Arbeloa squad depth on his substitutes' bench for the first time in recent weeks. However, the Spanish manager will be eager to maintain faith in the players who overwhelmed Man City in the previous meeting, spearheaded by Valverde in the engine room and Vinicius Junior in attack.
Real Madrid Expected Formation vs. Man City (4-4-2)
Real Madrid Expected Formation vs. Man City (4-4-2)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—Courtois delivered an outstanding display in the opening leg, a showing he'll aim to duplicate on hostile ground.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—Among the few players granted complete rest over the weekend, Alexander-Arnold returns to the starting eleven for his debut appearance at the Etihad wearing Madrid colors.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—A series of impressive displays from Rüdiger has solidified Real Madrid's previously vulnerable defense. The German defender is performing at a level that merits a new contract.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Though it required patience, Huijsen has eventually found his rhythm. The Spanish defender contributed to limiting Erling Haaland to no attempts on goal in the first encounter.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Following a three-match absence, Carreras returns to reclaim his position on the left side, though he wouldn't retain it if Mendy hadn't picked up a hamstring setback.
RM: Federico Valverde—Having netted five times in his previous three outings, Valverde will enter Tuesday's match full of self-belief. His sluggish campaign start now feels like ancient history.
CM: Thiago Pitarch—Like his high-profile colleagues, the Real Madrid Castilla graduate was withdrawn after roughly an hour at the weekend, suggesting he retains his spot in Arbeloa's starting formation.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—Tchouaméni remains an underappreciated asset for Real Madrid. Now freed from center-back duties, the French midfielder continues demonstrating his devastating effectiveness in his natural position.
LM: Arda Güler—In what might be his last start before Bellingham displaces him, Güler will seek another moment of brilliance similar to his spectacular 75-yard strike over the weekend.
ST: Brahim Díaz—The Moroccan forward is also playing on limited time, but while Mbappé isn't prepared to start, Díaz maintains his partnership with Vinicius Jr.
ST: Vinicius Junior—The winger will be eager to compensate for his penalty miss in the first leg, particularly if it ends a four-match scoring drought. Nothing excites Vinicius Jr more than Champions League evenings.