Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa insists his side should not feel inferior to Champions League opponents Manchester City, even with several key players unavailable ahead of their last-16 clash.
The Spanish giants host Pep Guardiola’s side at the Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday for the first leg, but will be without star forward Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined with a knee sprain. The France international missed training on Tuesday and has been ruled out of the encounter.
Despite the setback, Arbeloa stressed that Madrid’s history and mentality demand confidence regardless of the circumstances.
“We are Real Madrid and I think that we never feel lesser than anyone else,” Arbeloa told reporters.
“It doesn’t matter the circumstance, it doesn’t matter who is in front of us — we are Real Madrid and we should not feel inferior to anyone.”
The reigning European heavyweights are also dealing with additional injury concerns, with Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo Goes, and Eder Militao among those unavailable. Nevertheless, Arbeloa believes the squad remains capable of competing with one of Europe’s most formidable teams.
“Tomorrow we face an opponent we know well — the identity of the club, the coach, the players, what Manchester City represent — but we approach the game with optimism,” he added.
Mbappe travelled to France last week for medical examinations and treatment after suffering the knee sprain. While the forward will miss the first leg, Arbeloa indicated that his recovery has been progressing positively.
“He’s a lot better. As I’ve said over the last few weeks, it’s something we have to assess day by day,” Arbeloa explained.
“This week has been very positive. He has come back feeling good and each day he is improving, so hopefully he will be back soon.”
In Mbappe’s absence, Brazilian star Vinicius Junior is expected to spearhead the Madrid attack, carrying greater attacking responsibility against the Premier League champions.
“He is taking on a lot of responsibility,” Arbeloa said. “We will need the best version of him if we want to eliminate Manchester City.”
Arbeloa, who took charge of Real Madrid in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure, described his opening months in the role as a significant learning experience.
The former Madrid defender also highlighted the tactical challenge posed by Guardiola, noting the Manchester City manager’s reputation for innovative strategies in high-profile matches.
“He always has a surprise prepared,” Arbeloa said. “He is a coach who, in games like these, usually has something different ready.”
With both sides accustomed to competing at the highest level of European football, the tie is expected to be one of the standout matchups of the Champions League knockout stage.
