MADRID, Spain — In a significant setback for Real Madrid, star striker Kylian Mbappé has been deemed unfit to start in the pivotal Champions League quarter-final encounter against Manchester City on Wednesday. The French international, who is the club’s leading scorer this campaign, was relegated to the substitutes’ bench following a training session missed due to a broken finger and additional physical discomfort.
The decision, confirmed by the club to AFP, places considerable pressure on manager Xabi Alonso, who is facing intense scrutiny from Spanish media outlets. Reports indicate that Alonso’s tenure as head coach could be terminated if Madrid fails to advance past Pep Guardiola’s formidable squad.
This high-stakes match arrives during a troubling period for Los Blancos, who have secured only two victories in their previous seven matches across all competitions. Their recent form hit a new low with a 2-0 La Liga defeat to Celta Vigo on Sunday, widening the gap to four points behind arch-rivals Barcelona in the domestic standings.
In Mbappé’s absence, Alonso has opted for a reshuffled attacking lineup. Twenty-one-year-old academy product Gonzalo Garcia receives a surprise start, spearheading the attack with support from the established trio of Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo Goes, and English midfielder Jude Bellingham. All eyes will be on this reconfigured frontline to deliver against the reigning European champions at a packed Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.