Gianluigi donnarumma says Manchester City hold an “advantage” with Kylian Mbappé absent as the teams meet in the Champions League first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu. He made the comment at a news conference on Tuesday (ET) in Madrid, ahead of City’s trip to the Bernabéu on Wednesday. Donnarumma framed Mbappé’s absence as a reduced direct threat while warning that Real Madrid’s replacements remain champions and the smallest margins will decide the tie.
Donnarumma: Advantage, but replacement threats remain
Gianluigi Donnarumma, goalkeeper for Manchester City, told assembled media he has a personal view of Kylian Mbappé from their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. Donnarumma said Mbappé is “one of the most amazing players in the world” and noted the striker is the competition’s top scorer with 13 goals this season; he also recalled Mbappé’s hat-trick in the playoff tie that eliminated City last year. Donnarumma described not facing such a forward as “an advantage” for a goalkeeper, adding, “I have less work to do, but the players that will replace him are champions. “
The goalkeeper emphasized that Real Madrid remain a team of champions and must be treated with full attention. Donnarumma stressed that while Mbappé sat out training on Tuesday and is set to be sidelined for the first leg, City cannot relax: every single detail could make the difference in a knockout fixture and replacements at Real Madrid will still pose serious problems.
Mbappé out, Bernabéu intensity and City’s belief
donnarumma framed the match as one where emotion and timing are decisive. He reminded listeners that he is a reigning Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain and that his move to the Etihad Stadium has given him a view of Manchester City’s ambition; after six months at City he said he believes his new club are contenders. Donnarumma noted, “There are many strong teams, tough teams, ” and that the Champions League enters phases “where you are in or out. “
On Real Madrid specifically, donnarumma warned that wearing their shirt carries expectation and hunger. He said playing at the Santiago Bernabéu is not easy and that City must manage feelings and be prepared for a young Madrid side hungry for a result to take to the second leg. He praised his coaching staff’s preparation while underlining that replacements for Mbappé remain high quality and that focus cannot slip.
What’s next: the tie and the second leg outlook
The immediate next step is clear in Donnarumma’s remarks: the first leg at the Bernabéu on Wednesday (ET) where Mbappé is expected to be absent and City will test Real Madrid under the spotlight of a stadium Donnarumma described as emotionally demanding. He expressed hope that Mbappé will be ready for the second leg because “he deserves it, ” signalling that a return by the French forward could alter the balance later in the tie. In Donnarumma’s view, timing and tiny details will decide which side reaches the next round, and both legs will require full attention from players and coaches alike.
