Arbeloa: Real Madrid not 'inferior' to Manchester City

Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa insisted his side is the favorite in its Champions League last-16 tie against Manchester City.

Real Madrid's Federico Valverde (R) vies with Getafe's Adrian Liso during the La Liga football match between Real Madrid and Getafe CF in Madrid, Spain, on March 2, 2026. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

The Spanish side entertains Pep Guardiola's men in Wednesday's first leg in the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium with seven players injured, including Kylian Mbappe and Rodrygo, who had a successful knee operation earlier in the day.

Real Madrid and Manchester City have met every year in the tournament since 2022, with Real Madrid knocking its rival out three times, while Manchester City has got the better of Real Madrid just once, although they did win 2-1 in the Bernabeu in the group stage of the competition in December.

Speaking to the press on Tuesday, Arbeloa admitted it would be "a tough" tie, but insisted that his side is the favorite.

"We shouldn't feel inferior to anyone," said the coach, adding, "We know how difficult this tie is going to be, but we're really looking forward to it, and we will look them straight in the eye."

Arbeloa has played against sides coached by Guardiola, but the pair have never met as coaches, and the Real Madrid boss expects the unexpected from his opposite number, who "always has a surprise up his sleeve."

"No matter how much you watch his teams, you know there's always something prepared and that you have to be mentally ready for the many variations that can appear. I'd be very surprised if there weren't some new formations or new players," he said.