Donnarumma: No Mbappe is an ´advantage´ for Man City

Gianluigi Donnarumma believes not having to face Kylian Mbappe will be an advantage for Manchester City in their Champions League last 16 first leg against Real Madrid.

Mbappe was diagnosed with a sprained knee last month after Los Blancos’ defeat to Osasuna, though he could return for the second leg against City.

Not only is the Frenchman the top scorer in the Champions League this season with 13 goals, but he also has a strong record in the competition versus City.

Mbappe has scored more Champions League goals against City than any other opponent (seven), including netting a hat-trick in his most recent appearance against the Citizens, in last season’s play-off round.

Donnarumma played with Mbappe during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain, and the Italian goalkeeper is expecting a quieter match in Madrid due to the striker’s absence.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play with Kylian and he’s one of the most amazing players in the world,” said Donnarumma.

“He’s a great talent and as a great keeper not facing these players can be an advantage.

Matchday at the Bernabeu pic.twitter.com/Ktw5fXeGOs

— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 11, 2026

“I have less work to do, but the players that will replace him are champions. We are playing against Real Madrid, a team that is made up of champions so we will have to pay the same attention.

“I’m a great friend of his and I hope he can come back soon and be ready for the second leg because he deserves it.”

This will be the first time two teams have met in the knockout phase of the competition in five consecutive seasons.

City have been eliminated from the Champions League by Madrid on four occasions, the only side to knock them out more than twice.

That includes each of the last two seasons: 2023-24 quarter-finals and 2024-25 play-offs.