Key Real players – Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe
Midfielder Bellingham drew media criticism following his reaction to being substituted during England’s World Cup qualifying win over Albania, leading to Ian Wright’s strong comment that some people are not “ready for a black superstar”. Bellingham started Real’s last Champions League game at Olympiacos on the bench.
Meanwhile, Mbappe has scored 25 goals in just 21 games this season – including nine in five Champions League games, tying Cristiano Ronaldo’s club record for his opening five appearances. He scored all four in the 4-3 win at Olympiacos on 26 November, and has seven goals and one assist in seven Champions League games against Manchester City.
Real Madrid squad summary
Los Blancos are having a defensive crisis at the moment, with Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy all out. Meanwhile, Dean Huijsen and David Alaba are also doubts for this fixture.
