Alvaro Arbeloa Says Mbappé Is Available as Real Madrid Warned Not To Be Complacent
alvaro arbeloa told the media that Kylian Mbappé is available for the return at the Etihad while Jude Bellingham traveled with the squad but is not ready to play, as Real Madrid head into the second leg with a 3-0 advantage earned by Federico Valverde’s treble in the first match.
Alvaro Arbeloa: Mbappé Available, Bellingham Traveled But Not Fit
The coach said the team will follow the same plan used in the first leg and stressed the need for humility and commitment. He noted that Bellingham asked to travel with the group but will not be available to play, and that Mbappé “is already available” and that supporters would see him tomorrow. Arbeloa emphasized the challenge of the fixture, saying Madrid must match or improve on the first-leg performance with solidarity, effort and sacrifice.
Former Chelsea Coach Sees a Familiar Turnaround
Roberto Di Matteo drew a comparison between Arbeloa’s recent impact and his own unexpected Champions League run with Chelsea. Di Matteo highlighted how a change in atmosphere and a string of wins can transform a team, praising the way the players have responded to the coach and saying the side “have all the possibilities” to win the tournament. He pointed to the club’s history and the players’ experience as factors that could support a deep European run.
Warning Against Complacency Despite Three-Goal Edge
Even with a 3-0 lead from Federico Valverde’s three goals, the squad and staff insist the tie is far from decided. Inside the dressing room there is clear awareness that a complete performance will be required in England; players accept that Pep Guardiola will set up a demanding encounter aimed at overturning the first-leg margin. The team recognizes the stakes: failing to progress would be a serious setback for a group that has endured a difficult season and is trying to coalesce as the decisive phase approaches.
Questions remain over starting choices. Mbappé’s presence in the matchday squad was explained as dependent on his sensations and readiness; there is speculation about whether he will begin on the bench or in the starting eleven. The coach said he has not felt any untouchable players in his time in charge and highlighted the contributions of younger squad members and established performers like Valverde.
Arbeloa’s tactical approach in the first leg was credited with unsettling Manchester City and producing the three-goal cushion. That change of momentum, coupled with Di Matteo’s public backing, frames Real Madrid’s outlook: confidence has grown, but the internal message is to avoid overconfidence and deliver another high-level performance to secure progression.
The next official step is the return match, where Madrid will attempt to translate the first-leg advantage into a place in the next round while managing the fitness and selection choices around key figures such as Mbappé and Bellingham.
