Arbeloa: Mbappe Joined Real Madrid to Shine in Key Matches Like Bayern Clash

Mbappe ready to lead Real Madrid against Bayern says Arbeloa

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa says Kylian Mbappe is set to star in crucial games, including the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

Alvaro Arbeloa believes Kylian Mbappe has joined Real Madrid to excel in big matches, starting with the Champions League clash against Bayern Munich...

Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid's coach, believes Kylian Mbappe joined the club to shine in crucial matches like their upcoming Champions League tie against Bayern Munich. Mbappe is considered a vital part of the team, but there's uncertainty about whether Madrid can balance their star players effectively.

The team is currently facing challenges, including injuries and suspensions, with Jude Bellingham and Fede Valverde unavailable due to red cards. Despite this, Arbeloa is confident in his squad's ability to respond, emphasizing the importance of the Champions League match.

Mbappe back in mix for Real Madrid. The French superstar is fit after a knee sprain and likely to start against Bayern with Vinicius Junior.

Arbeloa hints at Mbappe's return to attack at Santiago Bernabeu. 

“I'm delighted to have that kind of problem, to have outstanding players at my disposal and to have a player like Kylian Mbappe, who came to Real Madrid for matches like tomorrow's and for knockout ties like this one,” Arbeloa told reporters Monday.

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“I'm sure we're going to see Kylian at his best, leading the team the way he's always known how to do, and I have a great deal of confidence in all the players.”

Jude Bellingham, England's international star, is making progress in his recovery from injury. Alvaro Arbeloa expressed confidence in the squad's key players, stating that he would continue to rely on them when they're available.

Against Manchester City, young midfielder Thiago Pitarch and attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz played crucial roles, but their playing time might be affected in the Bayern Munich clash. The team's strategy could shift with the return of top players like Kylian Mbappe and potentially Jude Bellingham.

“It's clear Mbappe has different characteristics and conditions to those Brahim has, so we have to play in a different way, but I'm delighted to have this problem,” said Arbeloa.

“Just as you mention Bellingham and other great players I have available, for me it's a blessing to be able to count on everyone...” he continued.

“Having a player like Mbappe in the team is an extraordinary stroke of luck. I don't know if there's a coach in the world who wouldn't want to have him.

“I put myself in the shoes of the defenders who play against Real Madrid and have to face Mbappe, Vinicius, Valverde, Bellingham... I think they're some of the best players on the planet.”

Vinicius Junior Praises Mbappe Partnership

Vinicius Junior: Mbappe and I have an incredible connectio. The Brazilian winger dismissed concerns about fitting in, saying they worked well together. 

“People talk a lot... 'Kyli' is here to help us, he's always given us confidence, he scores the goals for us, we have to be connected tomorrow, above all with the fans and all the players,” he told reporters.

“It's a difficult game where the best players make the difference, and Kyli is one of those. I have an incredible connection with him, not just on the pitch but off it too.”

Vinicius Junior says Real Madrid will bounce back strong against Bayern Munich, despite their 2-1 loss to Mallorca, which widens the gap to Barcelona to 7 points. The Brazilian winger is determined to lead the team to victory in the Champions League quarter-final.

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📺 Press conference ➡️ RM Play

— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 6, 2026

“There are days where we are more connected or less connected, and that happened against Mallorca,” explained the forward.

“We had come from the international break and today, as the coach said, if we're not at 200 percent, we're not going to win games.

“I hope we are tomorrow, because it's an important day for us.”

Vinicius Junior praised Barcelona's Lamine Yamal for speaking out against the Islamophobic chanting that occurred during Spain's friendly match against Egypt last week. “It's important that Lamine speaks and that can help people,” said Vinicius, who has been vocal about his own experiences with racism, including an incident involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni in a Champions League match in February.

“I'm not saying Spain, Germany or Portugal are racist countries, but there are racists in these countries, especially in Brazil too, in a lot of countries there are racists.

“But if we continue this fight together, I think that in the future new players don't have to suffer these things and above all, people in general too.”