MBAPPE SET TO RETURN FOR REAL MADRID AGAINST MAN CITY

“I’m very happy to see him getting closer to the team. It is important to be around his teammates; during the team talk and at halftime, he’ll be one of the leaders as he always is.”

Real are expected to knock City out of the Champions League for a third successive season after establishing a substantial first leg advantage.

Real defender Antonio Rüdiger believes the key to victory is stopping City striker Erling Haaland from rediscovering his top form after a poor recent run.

“Players like Haaland—it’s a huge pleasure to play against this type of player,” Rudiger said.

“I like the physical battle; I want it and need it, the same as him. I’m looking forward to it.

“He’s a world-class striker, very strong, and I like these types of duels.”

Rudiger acknowledged his combative approach as he addressed recent claims from Getafe defender Diego Rico about his conduct.

Rico said Rudiger committed an “assault” against him in a challenge earlier this month.

“In slow motion it looked terrible, but in the action itself and also what the player said, it was like I almost killed him,” Rudiger said.

“He doesn’t need to exaggerate because if I’d had the intention to do that, he wouldn’t have stood up.

“I don’t justify it, but the way he spoke after the game was like I killed him, but he was running afterwards.

“We all know I like to be tough on the pitch, but I still have boundaries. I am a human being.”