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Mbappé on the bench as Madrid hosts City: a high-stakes UCL chess match

10 December 2025

Mbappé on the bench as Madrid hosts City: a high-stakes UCL chess match
Mbappé on the bench as Madrid host City in a high-stakes UCL tie.

Lineups and Stakes

Real Madrid, guided by Xabi Alonso, announced a starting XI at the Bernabéu against Manchester City, with Gonzalo Garcia leading the attack as Mbappé remains sidelined with an injury sustained against Celta Vigo. Alonso also started Dani Ceballos in midfield over Arda Guler. City fielded a star-studded lineup with Haaland and Foden, while Omar Marmoush sat on the bench.

Lineups in Detail

Real Madrid: Courtois - Carerras - Rudiger - Asensio - Valverde - Chuamini - Belliniham - Ceballos - Rodrygo - Vinicius - Garcia.

Manchester City: Donnarumma - Orioli - Gvardiol - Diaz - Nunez - Gonzalez - Bernardo - Foden - Sharki - Doku - Haaland.

Kickoff came at 9 PM local time, with Madrid hoping to exploit the bench while City aim to press early and seize control.

Punchline 1: If this bench talk were a thriller, the twist is coming.

Punchline 2: Meanwhile, fans refresh the stream and pretend they’re analysts.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Mbappé not starting for Real Madrid?

Mbappé is sidelined with an injury from the previous match and is listed on the bench.

Who starts in goal for Real Madrid?

Thibaut Courtois is the starting goalkeeper.

Which City players headline the attack?

Erling Haaland and Phil Foden lead the attack for Manchester City.