"We're Real Madrid, we never feel less than anybody. We shouldn't feel inferior to anybody. We all know the opponent very well, the club, the coach Pep Guardiola, the players. They were champions two years ago. But we go into it with a lot of excitement. Tomorrow we'll play to win."
"Madrid will face City for the 16th time in the Champions League (W5 D5 L5), twice as often as they have faced any other team in the competition. City have been eliminated from the Champions League by Madrid on four occasions, the only side to knock them out more than twice."
"Arbeloa will be without a string of first-team stars, with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras and Rodrygo all unavailable. Kylian Mbappe, who has enjoyed a sensational campaign with Los Blancos, particularly in the Champions League, also looks set to miss out."
Real Madrid prepares to face Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 on Wednesday, marking their 16th meeting in the competition. The teams have a balanced historical record with Madrid winning five, drawing five, and losing five matches. City defeated Madrid 2-1 in the league phase in December 2025. Madrid has eliminated City four times in knockout stages over the past four campaigns. Despite winning only two of their last four matches, Arbeloa emphasizes that Real Madrid will not feel inferior to City. However, Madrid faces significant absences including Jude Bellingham, Eder Militao, Alvaro Carreras, Rodrygo, and Kylian Mbappe, who has scored 13 Champions League goals this season.
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