"Rarely do record 15-time winners Real Madrid enter a Champions League clash as underdogs, but this is the situation when Manchester City visit the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday. With key attackers Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo injured and set to miss the game and Alvaro Arbeloa's team in inconsistent form, the Premier League side are firm favourites in the last 16 tie."
"Man City beat Madrid in the league phase in the Spanish capital and have strengthened since then with Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi arriving while midfielder Rodri is fit after missing that match during a long-term injury absence."
"Perhaps Arbeloa's biggest success has been helping winger Vinicius Jr get back into form, and the Brazilian represents Real Madrid's best hope of success against City. The winger was key in Madrid's triumph over Jose Mourinho's Benfica in the playoff round despite allegedly being racially abused in the first leg."
Real Madrid faces Manchester City in the Champions League last 16 first leg at Santiago Bernabéu on Wednesday. Despite Madrid's record as 15-time Champions League winners, City enter as favorites due to Madrid's injuries and inconsistent form under manager Álvaro Arbeloa. Key Madrid attackers Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo are unavailable. Manchester City recently defeated Madrid in the league phase and have strengthened their squad with new signings Antoine Semenyo and Marc Guehi, while midfielder Rodri returns from injury. The clubs have met 15 times previously with equal records of five wins each and five draws. Vinicius Jr represents Madrid's primary attacking threat after recovering form, having performed well against Benfica in the playoff round.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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