Official: Real Madrid starting lineup against Manchester City | Champions League Ro16

Real Madrid face off against Manchester City in a little over an hour at the Santiago Bernabeu in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 tie.

With kick-off not far away, manager Alvaro Arbeloa has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Pep Guardiola’s men, with just the one change in the side that featured against Celta Vigo last week.

Dean Huijsen, having served his suspension, replaces Raul Asencio at the heart of the Real Madrid defence, partnering up with Antonio Rudiger.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ferland Mendy continue as the full-backs, with the latter making only his second appearance under Arbeloa. Thibaut Courtois starts in goal as usual.

Meanwhile, Arbeloa has opted to go with the four-man midfield unit comprising Federico Valverde, Aurelien Tchouameni, Arda Guler, and Thiago Pitarch once more.

It means that there is no place in the starting XI for Eduardo Camavinga, who is back in the squad after recovering from a dental infection.

Up top, the manager continues with the pair of Vinicius Jr. and Brahim Diaz , with Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo Goes unavailable due to injuries. Gonzalo Garcia remains on the bench, along with Franco Mastantuono.

– Wednesday, 11 March 2026