Kylian Mbappé Tackles Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid vs. Man City Champions League Clash
Real Madrid have been handed a major boost for the second leg of their Champions League tie against Manchester City on Tuesday night
Kylian Mbappe has been included in Real Madrid's squad for their Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City on Tuesday. The prolific France international has been sidelined since 21 February due to a knee problem, missing five competitive fixtures, including Madrid's commanding 3-0 victory over City in the first leg last week. Joining Mbappe in the 26-man travelling party is England midfielder Jude Bellingham, who has also been recovering from injury, having been out of action since 1 February with a thigh complaint.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa is scheduled to hold his pre-match news conference later on Monday, where he is expected to provide an update on the fitness of both stars and whether they are deemed healthy enough to start at the Etihad Stadium. Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick against Man City last week (Bradley Collyer/PA) (PA Wire) The Spanish giants hold a significant advantage heading into Tuesday’s match after picking up a convincing win at the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to a Federico Valverde hat-trick. Mbappe and Bellingham watched on from the sidelines as the Uruguayan midfielder produced a masterful display to put his team in control of the tie.
However, Vinicius Jr failed to convert a second-half penalty, with his team effort being saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma, offering City a glimpse of hope that a comeback in Manchester is possible. Madrid continued their good form with a dominant 4-1 victory over Elche on Saturday, and Valverde got on the scoresheet once again. Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and Arda Guler also found the net to keep Madrid four points behind rivals Barcelona in the title race.
Meanwhile, City could only manage a 1-1 draw at West Ham, leaving them nine points adrift of leaders Arsenal in the Premier League table. City and Arsenal are due to meet each other in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley on Sunday, but Pep Guardiola’s men must face focus on trying to overturn their three-goal deficit against Madrid.