-myKhel Team

Manchester City gain a boost for the Champions League last-16 first leg against Real Madrid, with Gianluigi Donnarumma suggesting Kylian Mbappe’s absence could ease the challenge. The Real Madrid forward is unavailable at the Santiago Bernabeu, which Donnarumma feels may reduce the direct threat to City’s defence in this opening tie.

The tie adds another chapter to a strong Champions League rivalry. This meeting marks the first time two clubs have faced each other in the knockout rounds in five straight seasons. Real Madrid have knocked City out four times, including the 2023-24 quarter-finals and 2024-25 play-offs.

Mbappe was diagnosed with a sprained knee last month after Real Madrid’s defeat to Osasuna. The forward is ruled out of the first leg but could feature in the return match against City. That potential comeback for the second leg keeps City’s longer-term defensive planning cautious.

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Despite missing this match, Mbappe remains the top scorer in this season’s Champions League with 13 goals. City know the damage Mbappe can cause. The France captain has scored seven Champions League goals against City, more than against any other opponent, including a hat-trick in last season’s play-off round.

Donnarumma, who played with Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain, expects a different atmosphere in Madrid without the forward. “I’ve been lucky enough to play with Kylian and he’s one of the most amazing players in the world, said Donnarumma. He’s a great talent and as a great keeper not facing these players can be an advantage.”

The goalkeeper still warned City about Real Madrid’s squad depth and mindset. “I have less work to do, but the players that will replace him are champions. We are playing against Real Madrid, a team that is made up of champions so we will have to pay the same attention. I’m a great friend of his and I hope he can come back soon and be ready for the second leg because he deserves it.”

The numbers underline why Mbappe’s absence matters, yet Real Madrid’s record against City shows why the tie remains demanding. With a fifth straight Champions League knockout meeting and four past eliminations, City enter the Bernabeu aware that even without Mbappe, Real Madrid continue to pose a serious challenge.

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