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Why Isn't Kylian Mbappe Playing Tonight for Real Madrid vs Manchester City?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Dec 10, 2025 2:15 PM ET

Real Madrid will host Manchester City at the Santiago Bernabeu in the sixth matchweek of the Champions League this season. Real Madrid's manager, Xabi Alonso, is under pressure to deliver against Man City tonight.

Real Madrid is 6th in the Champions League table with 12 points, while Man City is 12th with 10 points. A win for Real Madrid will push them closer to securing a top-eight position in the UCL table, while a Man City win would overtake them.

Despite the important match, Xabi Alonso shocked fans with his starting lineup, which did not include his best player of the season so far, Kylian Mbappe.

Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid looks on after the Celta Vigo first goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and RC Celta de Vigo at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on December 07, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Mbappe played over the weekend for Real Madrid against Celta Vigo, where they lost 2-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. Before that match, Mbappe had nine goal contributions in his last four matches for Real Madrid.

Mbappe played the full match against Celta Vigo and is in the sqaud for tonight's Champions League match against Manchester City.

Why Kylian Mbappe is not starting vs Manchester City

Many reports in Spain suggested that Kylian Mbappe suffered muscle discomfort in his left leg just days before the Champions League clash against Manchester City.

Reports started to suggest that Mbappe would not even be part of the Real Madrid sqaud due to this discomfort. Mbappe was reportedly included in the Real Madrid squad at the last minute but will sit on the bench.

Xabi Alonso spoke about Mbappe being benched for the match against Man City and considers it risky for the French star to start. Alonso said, "Mbappe is not ready to play; he wasn't feeling well. There's no need to take unnecessary risks; we'll have to assess if he plays later."

It is unclear whether the French star will get minutes against Man City. Real Madrid will start a front three of Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, and Rodrygo.

Mbappe scored a hat trick against Man City the last time Real Madrid hosted the English side at the Santiago Bernabeu in the Champions League.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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