Real Madrid’s biggest nights are exactly why Kylian Mbappe signed.
Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is fit and available for Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.
Arbeloa made clear the French forward joined the club for moments such as high-stakes European nights under the brightest lights.
“It’s an important day for us,” Arbeloa said ahead of the tie.
Mbappe’s return is a major boost for Madrid as they look to progress in Europe’s elite club competition.
The forward has been one of the most high-profile signings in recent memory, and Tuesday’s match offers him another stage to deliver on that billing.
Away from the football, Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. used the pre-match spotlight to speak out on racism, a cause he has championed after enduring repeated abuse throughout his career.
His comments came in response to Islamophobic chanting during Spain’s recent friendly against Egypt, which Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal had publicly condemned.
“It’s important that Lamine speaks and that can help people.”
Vinicius Jr.
He also referenced an incident in February when he alleged he was racially abused by Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match — a claim the Argentine has denied.
Vinicius was careful not to label any single nation as racist, but stressed the problem exists across the world, including in his home country of Brazil.
His message was one of collective responsibility.
“If we continue this fight together, I think in the future new players don’t have to suffer these things,” he said.
On the pitch and off it, all eyes are on Madrid.
