Real Madrid head coach Alvaro Arbeloa insists that his side are “not underdogs” when they face Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League this week.
The familiar foes will clash for the second time this season when they meet at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the round of 16 on Wednesday.
City got the better of Real in their league phase encounter, winning 2-1 in the Spanish capital in December.
Los Blancos are dealing with a number of injury issues amid an inconsistent run of form. Star men Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham have ruled out of the match, while Dani Ceballos, Alvaro Carreras, David Alaba and Eder Militao are also sidelined.
Arbeloa insists Real Madrid are ‘not underdogs’ against Man City
Despite their problems, Arbeloa told the media on Tuesday that his team should not “feel inferior” to any opposition.
“It is going to be a tough game against a great team, great players and amazing coach,” the former Liverpool defender said at his pre-match press conference.
“We are well aware that we need to win the game. That is our mentality. The Champions League is key for all of us.
“We are not underdogs. That is what we think. We are Real Madrid.
“The situation doesn’t matter. We don’t need to feel inferior to any team.”
Arbeloa added: “There is much motivation for us and the players, even if we have played a lot of games between the two clubs.
“It will be a special night with our fans. For me as a head coach it is really important to face one of the best coaches in football.”
Read – The favourites to win the FA Cup following quarter-final draw
See Also – Every Premier League club’s route to the Champions League final