After beating Newcastle for the fourth time in 54 days, Manchester City face foes almost as familiar. This will be the fifth season in a row they have played Real Madrid in the latter stages of the Champions League and the 12th meeting overall in six years. Real have won the last two knockout ties but lost 2-1 at the Bernabeu in December. Top scorer Kylian Mbappe wasn't fit for that game, despite being named on the bench, and his availability is again in doubt after missing three matches with a knee injury.
His absence could leave rookie boss Alvaro Arbeloa short of star power, with Rodrygo out for the season and Jude Bellingham also sidelined. The Spanish club have yet to convince under Arbeloa, who has lost four of 13 games since replacing Xabi Alonso in what appears a stop-gap appointment. Pressure is building, though much of the frustration is aimed higher up the Bernabeu hierarchy. When Madrid were beaten by Getafe in their last home match on 2 March, some supporters called for long-serving president Florentino Perez to resign.
Did you know?
- Madrid have lost their last four games against Premier League sides – versus City and Liverpool this season plus defeats in both legs of their quarter-final against Arsenal last term.
- The last time Real failed to reach the QFs was in 2019-20, when they lost to City in the last 16.
Other team news
In addition to uncertainty over Mbappe, David Alaba is doubtful, while Eduardo Camavinga missed the win against Celta Vigo with a dental issue. Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos are expected to remain out, with Rodrygo a long-term absentee following an ACL tear.
