Real Madrid Lineup vs Man City OUT; Why Is Kylian Mbappe Not Starting Against Man City?

Another tough test for Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid as they welcome Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu on matchday 6 of the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League on 10th December, 2025. The Los Blancos have a big assignment on their hands, which they need to pass with flying colors if they want to keep their chances of a top-eight finish alive. Real Madrid sit sixth in the table with four wins and just one defeat, which came against Liverpool on matchday 4. Manchester City, on the other hand, are just two points behind Madrid but are placed 11th behind the likes of Liverpool, Atletico Madrid, Tottenham, Dortmund, and Chelsea.

A win in this fixture for either of the teams will provide a massive boost going forward in the last few league phase matches. Both teams have had a mixed start to the season and will look to shrug off their previous baggage and start afresh with a dominating performance in this match. There were some doubts over Kylian Mbappe's inclusion in the squad, but the latest reports suggest that the Frenchman has been included in the matchday squad and should definitely be a part of the Real Madrid lineup vs Man City. Ahead of the all-important clash, Sportsdunia takes a look at the Real Madrid vs Man City lineups, which will give you a clear idea of how the teams will shape up for this ultimate European clash.

Real Madrid vs Man City Lineups CONFIRMED

Let's take a look at the Real Madrid vs Man City lineups. Eder Militao and Dean Huijsen will be the absentees from the Madrid defense, so Raul Asencio and Antonio Rudiger are replacing them in the Real Madrid lineup vs Man City. Federico Valverde is expected to play as right back, while Alvaro Carreras will retain his place as left back in the Real Madrid lineup vs Man City.

Although Kylian Mbappe is included in the squad, he is on the bench, considering he wasn't feeling well before the game. It's just a matter of time to see how much impact one of the best players in the world can create coming off the bench. If that's the case, Rodrygo is the one who will make a rare appearance in the Real Madrid C.F. lineups in this Champions League season.

Pep Guardiola decided to play Nico O'Reilly as left back and has kept the experienced Josko Gvardiol in the center to replace John Stone. Silva, Cherki, Foden & Doku are in the middle and out wide, while Nico Gonzalez will play as the sole defensive midfielder in the Man City lineup.

Real Madrid Lineup vs Man City (4-4-2):

Here is the confirmed Real Madrid starting XI vs Man City.

Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Ceballos, Tchouaméni, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr.; Rodrygo.

Man City Lineup vs Real Madrid (4-1-4-1):

Have a look at the Manchester City confirmed lineup from the Real Madrid vs Man City lineups.

Donnarumma; Nunes, O'Reilly, Dias, Gvardiol; Gonzalez; Silva, Cherki, Foden, Doku; Haaland.