UCL: Mbappé, Bellingham return to boost Real Madrid ahead of champions league clash with Manchester City

Real Madrid have received a timely boost ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League round-of-16 second-leg encounter against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium, with the return of Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham to the squad, Sport360NG reports.

According to BBC Sport, Mbappé had been out of action since February 21 after suffering a left knee sprain during Madrid’s La Liga fixture against CA Osasuna. The French forward’s recovery provides a significant attacking reinforcement for manager Álvaro Arbeloa ahead of the decisive European tie.

Bellingham also returns after a spell on the sidelines following a hamstring injury sustained in a league match against Rayo Vallecano on February 1. The England midfielder was initially expected to miss around four weeks, but the injury raised concerns about his availability for England’s upcoming international friendlies against Uruguay national football team and Japan national football team.

Madrid head into the second leg with a commanding 3–0 advantage from the first meeting at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. Midfielder Federico Valverde scored a first-half hat-trick to put the Spanish giants firmly in control of the tie.

In the second half, goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma denied Vinícius Júnior from the penalty spot, preventing the hosts from extending their lead further.

With Mbappé and Bellingham back in contention, Real Madrid will look to capitalise on their advantage and secure passage to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, while City face the daunting task of overturning the deficit in front of their home supporters.