Real Madrid vs Manchester City: Confirmed Starting Lineup Announced, But Does Kylian Mbappe Start?

The Bernabeu will play host to Real Madrid vs Manchester City in the Champions League, as it has for the last three seasons. As always, the stakes are high with both teams knowing three points are crucial to help them finish in the top eight.

Real Madrid head coach Xabi Alonso is feeling the pressure after a poor run of form. However, a win last time out against Olympiacos has meant they sit in the top eight with three games left.

When it comes to selecting a side for the game against the Citizens, it comes with problems. There were injury concerns to both Eduardo Camavinga and Kylian Mbappe, who failed to train yesterday. Camavinga has been ruled out, but the big news was that the team's leading scorer was fit to make the squad.

🔥 NO HYPE NECESSARY. pic.twitter.com/jOJJCp5rsH
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) December 10, 2025

The next question is whether he would be fit enough to start the game? Unfortunately, he starts on the bench, with Gonzalo Garcia getting his second start of the season. Rodryfo starts up top alongside Garcia and Vinicius Jr.

Fede Valverde starts at right-back due to injuries. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dani Carvajal are still out, and Raul Asencio is moving into center-back due to the recent injury to Eder Militao. Dean Huijsen is still not ready for a return, but could feature against Alaves at the weekend.

Fede Valverde and Jude Bellingham — IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire

With Valverde dropping back into the defense and Camavinga out, there is a surprise start for Dani Ceballos alongside Jude Bellingham and Aurélien Tchouaméni.