Real Madrid were beaten by Manchester City earlier this season and the two teams are set to clash again on Wednesday night
Bookmark popover
Alvaro Arbeloa believes Real Madrid should not be considered underdogs against Man City (Martin Rickett/PA)open image in gallery
Alvaro Arbeloa believes Real Madrid should not be considered underdogs against Man City (Martin Rickett/PA) (PA Archive)
Your support helps us to tell the story
Read moreSupport Now
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
**Your support makes all the difference.**Read more
Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa has defiantly stated his side are not underdogs as they prepare to face Manchester City in the Champions League last-16 first leg at the Bernabeu.
The Spanish giants are grappling with a significant injury crisis and have endured a period of inconsistent form heading into Wednesday’s crucial encounter.
Despite a lengthy list of absentees, Arbeloa expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete.
"It is going to be a tough game against a great team, great players and amazing coach," he acknowledged.
"We are well aware that we need to win the game. That is our mentality. The Champions League is key for all of us."
He added: "We are not underdogs. That is what we think. We are Real Madrid. The situation doesn’t matter. We don’t need to feel inferior to any team."
Kylian Mbappe could return from injury for next week’s second legopen image in gallery
Kylian Mbappe could return from injury for next week’s second leg (Getty)
The squad is severely depleted, with top scorer Kylian Mbappe, forward Rodrygo, and England midfielder Jude Bellingham all sidelined. Dani Ceballos, Alvaro Carreras, David Alaba, and Eder Militao are also unavailable, though Eduardo Camavinga has recovered from a virus.
Real Madrid's recent domestic performances have been shaky. While they secured a much-needed victory against Celta Vigo in their last outing, courtesy of a late Federico Valverde goal, this followed two consecutive defeats in LaLiga.
They currently sit four points adrift of leaders Barcelona, highlighting the urgency for key players to return.
Arbeloa remains optimistic about Mbappe's return, hoping the forward, who has been troubled by a knee injury, will be fit for the second leg at the Etihad Stadium next week.
"He is recovering quite well. We have to see day after day about his recovery but he is back with great spirit and we hope to get him back as soon as possible," Arbeloa stated.
With so many key players missing, the onus falls heavily on Vinicius Junior.
"If Vini is on the pitch, he is going to be key for us. It is clear we have key absences to top-level players," Arbeloa said, adding: "With Vini having so much responsibility it is normal he is our leader in attack. We need the best of him to beat Manchester City."
Arbeloa believes Vinicius Jr has a key role to play against Man Cityopen image in gallery
Arbeloa believes Vinicius Jr has a key role to play against Man City (Getty Images)
The two European heavyweights have become familiar adversaries, clashing 15 times since 2012, including in six of the last seven seasons.
Their most recent encounter saw Pep Guardiola's City secure a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu in the league phase last December, a match played under former Real coach Xabi Alonso, who was sacked in January and replaced by Arbeloa.
Former Liverpool defender Arbeloa underlined the significance of the fixture.
"There is much motivation for us and the players, even if we have played a lot of games between the two clubs," he remarked.
"It will be a special night with our fans. For me as a head coach it is really important to face one of the best coaches in football."