Rabat – Real Madrid are facing a major concern before their Champions League tie against Manchester City. Club director Emilio Butragueno has admitted that Kylian Mbappe may not recover in time, leaving the Spanish giants uncertain about their star forward’s availability for the season-defining clash.
Mbappe is currently sidelined with an injury, and the medical team has not given a clear timeline for his return.
This uncertainty has overshadowed the excitement of the draw, which paired Madrid with City once again in what has become one of Europe’s most familiar rivalries.
The two clubs will meet in the knockout stages for the sixth time since 2020. Earlier this season, City defeated Madrid 2-1 in the group stage, but the stakes are far higher now. Madrid officials are hoping Mbappe can lead the attack, but they remain fearful about his recovery.
Butragueno spoke openly after the draw, saying: “Let’s hope it’s nothing serious, because he’s very important to us. At the moment, we don’t know if he’ll be available against Manchester City.”
This draw adds another chapter to a rivalry that has become a regular feature of the Champions League. Madrid and City have faced each other repeatedly in recent years, producing some of the competition’s most memorable matches.
Butragueno acknowledged the frequency of these meetings, noting, “It’s funny that we play against them every season. I think it’s been five in a row now. We know each other very well. They have a great team and a great squad, and that gives Guardiola a lot of options. We play the first game at home, which means we have to get a good result that we can defend in Manchester.”
Expectations for another classic
Even with Mbappe’s fitness in doubt, the tie is expected to be one of the highlights of the season. Both teams are known for their attacking football and technical quality, promising a spectacle for fans worldwide.
City may carry a slight psychological edge after their group-stage win, but Madrid’s mission will be to find a way past Guardiola’s side, with or without their French superstar.
Butragueno summed up the anticipation. “There are usually goals, it’s one of the best matches you can see in the world,” he said. “People are going to enjoy it a lot because they’re attending matches, with two teams that want to dominate.”
