Donnarumma bets on a Mbappe-free night as City chase glory at Real Madrid
10 March 2026
Match context and Mbappe absence
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Manchester City goalkeeper, says Mbappe's absence from Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 is a boost for City. He notes Mbappe leads this season's scoring with 13 goals, including a hat trick against City last year when Paris Saint Germain were eliminated by City in the knockout rounds.
Donnarumma on calm nights and focus
Having shared a locker room with Mbappe during their PSG days, Donnarumma expects a relatively calm night now that the French star is not lining up for Real Madrid. He told reporters on Tuesday that avoiding such world class opponents can sometimes be an advantage for a big goalkeeper.
Outlook for the knockout phase
He added that there will be less work for him, but the players who replace his absence are heroes too. We are facing Real Madrid, a team of champions, so we must maintain the same level of focus.
He also said he is good friends with Mbappe and hopes he returns soon and is ready for the away leg, because he deserves it.
From PSG to City and the road to the final
Donnarumma, who won the Champions League with PSG last season, moved to the Etihad Stadium in the summer. Six months in Manchester City have convinced him that his new club is a strong title contender. He noted that there are several teams capable of reaching the final and that nothing is guaranteed especially given last year's surprise moves before the round of 16.
In closing, he stressed that timing matters. Knockout football is decided by tiny details, and many contenders will chase the final. We will push to reach the final even against very strong teams.
Humor note: if this game stays 0-0, I might start believing in miracles; if not, we can blame the halftime coffee for any chaos. Another thought: Mbappe may be out, but City still has a catalog of tricks left in the locker room to keep the crowd entertained.
