Real Madrid returned to work at Valdebebas on Sunday as preparations began for Tuesday’s Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The session follows Madrid’s win over Elche and served as the first step in the team’s build-up to the decisive European fixture. The players initially completed individualized work in the gym before heading out onto the pitches at Real Madrid City.
Once on the field, the squad went through a series of technical exercises. Training
included rondos, possession drills using small goals, and positional work designed to refine tactical movements. The session concluded with a small-sided match as Carlo Ancelotti’s staff continued sharpening the team ahead of the trip to England.
One of the main talking points from the session was the presence of Kylian Mbappé, who trained normally with the group and showed no signs of discomfort. The forward is expected to travel with the squad to Manchester, though his role in Tuesday’s match remains undecided. At this stage, Mbappé could begin the game from the bench as Madrid look to manage his return carefully.
Left-back Álvaro Carreras was also able to take part in part of the session with the team. He is likely to be included in the traveling squad and could feature in Monday’s training session at the Etihad Stadium. With Ferland Mendy unavailable due to injury, Fran García is currently the most likely candidate to start at left-back after stepping into the role following Mendy’s injury in last week’s first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Meanwhile, several injured players remained on individualized recovery programs. Among them is Raúl Asencio, who is dealing with calf discomfort. His availability for the trip to Manchester remains uncertain and will likely be determined closer to departure.
Real Madrid will finalize preparations on Monday before flying to England. The squad list is expected to be announced around 9:30 a.m., with the team scheduled to depart at 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival in Manchester, the club will hold its official pre-match press conference at 6:15 p.m., followed by a final training session at the Etihad Stadium at 7:00 p.m.
Madrid head into the second leg with a commanding advantage after securing a three-goal lead in the first leg at the Bernabéu, with Federico Valverde scoring all three goals. Ancelotti’s side will now look to finish the job in Manchester and confirm their place in the Champions League quarterfinals.
