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Arbeloa Defends Madrid: No Inferiority Complex vs. City

3/11/2026

Summary

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Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa said Real Madrid should not feel inferior to Manchester City before the Champions League match.
Arbeloa said players Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are unavailable due to injuries.
Arbeloa referenced Barcelona president Joan Laporta's claims about Madrid's refereeing influence and cited Laporta's questionable payments to a former referee official.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper, noted Madrid's unusual frequency of facing Manchester City in recent seasons.

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Story summary

Real Madrid manager Álvaro Arbeloa said Real Madrid should not feel inferior to Manchester City before the Champions League match.
Arbeloa said players Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are unavailable due to injuries.
Arbeloa referenced Barcelona president Joan Laporta's claims about Madrid's refereeing influence and cited Laporta's questionable payments to a former referee official.
Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid goalkeeper, noted Madrid's unusual frequency of facing Manchester City in recent seasons.