Real Madrid have received a major boost ahead of their UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City, with key players returning to the squad.
Softfootball earlier reported The Spanish giants already hold a commanding advantage following their impressive 3–0 victory over City in the first leg on March 12. On that night, Federico Valverde delivered a sensational performance, scoring the first senior hat-trick of his career.
According to football journalist Fabrizio Romano via his x handle, star trio Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras have all been included in the travelling squad for the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg match in Manchester on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Romano stated:
OFFICIAL: Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Álvaro Carreras have been included into Real Madrid squad. They’re back and travelling to Manchester for UCL RO16 second leg against Man City on Tuesday.
Valverde opened the scoring in the 20th minute with an assist from goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. He doubled Madrid’s lead seven minutes later, finishing a move created by Vinícius Júnior before completing the hat-trick to seal a dominant night for the Spanish side.
The result left City manager Pep Guardiola searching for answers after his team struggled to match Madrid’s efficiency.
Despite the setback, Guardiola recently dismissed suggestions that City’s Premier League title defence is finished following their 1–1 draw with West Ham United on March 14.
