Is Kylian Mbappe playing today? Confirmed lineups for Manchester City vs. Real Madrid in Champions League clash

Following a surprising victory in the first leg, Real Madrid face Manchester City, looking to maintain their lead and advance to the Champions League quarterfinals. With this in mind, fans are keeping a close eye on Kylian Mbappé’s status, as he is returning from a serious injury.

Despite arriving as underdogs due to numerous injuries, Real Madrid managed to secure a convincing 3–0 victory over Manchester City, surprising everyone. Because of this, they come into today’s Champions League match with a clear advantage, but the Citizens could unleash a powerful attack in search of a comeback. For this reason, fans are closely monitoring the status of Kylian Mbappé, who has been included in the squad after his knee injury.

Kylian Mbappé has taken part in the last two group training sessions with Los Blancos, showing a notable improvement in his left knee injury. Despite this, the Frenchman will not start against Manchester City, but he could see playing time in the second half of the match. In addition, he was seen touching his knee in the last training session, so he may not yet be at 100%.

Head coach Álvaro Arbeloa will once again rely on Vinicius Jr. and Brahim Díaz as they aim to create space and capitalize on Federico Valverde’s scoring form. Additionally, Gonzalo García has been managing knee discomfort for nearly a month, which will prevent him from playing.

Taking advantage of the aggregate lead, Real Madrid will maintain their defensive approach in today’s Champions League clash, led by Aurélien Tchouaméni and Antonio Rüdiger. Alongside them, Thiago Pitarch will start again despite the demanding nature of the match, as he has impressed Arbeloa with his level. Needing a major comeback, coach Pep Guardiola could indeed opt to impose a powerful attacking setup once more.

Manchester City confirmed lineup vs. Real Madrid

Looking to mount a major comeback against Real Madrid, Manchester City will bring Rayan Cherki back into the starting lineup, while keeping Bernardo Silva and Rodri Hernández.

The Citizens will play as follows: Gianluigi Donnarumma; Abdukodir Khusanov, Ruben Dias, Rayan Aït-Nouri; Rodri, Tijjani Reijnders, Bernardo Silva, Rayan Cherki; Jeremy Doku, Erling Haaland.

Real Madrid confirmed lineup vs. Manchester City

Real Madrid face Manchester City as clear favorite following their three-goal advantage on aggregate. Because of this, Arbeloa will not risk Kylian Mbappé, as he does not appear to be at full fitness.

With this in mind, Real Madrid will lineup as follows: Thibaut Courtois; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, Fran Garcia; Federico Valverde, Thiago Pitarch, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler; Brahim Diaz, Vinicius Jr.