Gianluigi Donnarumma has admitted that Manchester City will face a significantly lighter workload as they prepare for a Champions League clash against a Real Madrid side missing Kylian Mbappe.
The prolific Frenchman is currently sidelined with a sprained knee sustained during a defeat to Osasuna, and while he may return for the second leg, his absence from the first leg in Madrid is a major boost for the defending Premier League champions.
The Italian goalkeeper, who played alongside Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain, labeled his former teammate as “one of the most amazing players in the world.” Donnarumma noted that while facing such talents is a challenge for any keeper, “not facing these players can be an advantage” as it likely means he will have “less work to do.”
However, he cautioned that Real Madrid remains a squad “made up of champions” and that City must maintain the same level of focus regardless of who starts.
Mbappe’s absence is particularly significant given his historical dominance over Manchester City. He is the current Champions League top scorer with 13 goals this season and has scored more goals against City than any other opponent, totaling seven.
This includes a stunning hat-trick in their most recent meeting during last season’s play-off round. Without their primary tormentor, Madrid must find a new way to overcome a City side they have eliminated in each of the last two seasons.
This fixture marks a historic milestone, as it is the first time two clubs have met in the Champions League knockout phase for five consecutive seasons. While Madrid has traditionally had the upper hand—eliminating City four times in total—the loss of Mbappe’s firepower shifts the dynamic of this opening leg. Donnarumma, while hoping for his friend’s quick recovery, remains wary of the “champions” waiting in the wings to replace him.