Alvaro Arbeloa: Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid for showdowns like the Bayern clash.

Arbeloa highlighted Mbappe’s importance to the squad, although there are ongoing concerns about how the 15-time Champions League winners can harmonise their star players when they are all on the pitch together.

The French sensation, currently the club’s leading goal-scorer, did not start in either leg of the round of 16 against Manchester City, which Madrid won convincingly, due to a prolonged battle with a knee injury.

Now fit again, Arbeloa suggested that Mbappe is set to play alongside Vinicius Junior in the attacking line at the Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the quarter-finals against Bayern.

“I’m thrilled to face this kind of challenge, having exceptional players available, including someone like Kylian Mbappe, who came to Real Madrid for matches like tomorrow and for knockout rounds like this one,” Arbeloa told reporters on Monday.

“I have complete faith that we will see Kylian perform at his finest, guiding the team as he’s always done, and I trust all of our players immensely.”

England international Jude Bellingham is also making strides towards full fitness after an injury, with Arbeloa affirming his commitment to relying on the squad’s stars when they are ready to play.

Against Manchester City, young midfielder Thiago Pitarch and attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz played crucial roles, though their playing time may be reduced in the upcoming match against Bayern.

“It’s clear that Mbappe possesses different qualities compared to Brahim, so we need to adapt our style accordingly, but I’m delighted to have this dilemma,” remarked Arbeloa.

“Mentioning Bellingham and other top talents at my disposal, it’s truly a privilege to have them all available…” he continued.

“Having a player like Mbappe in our squad is an incredible stroke of luck. I’m not sure there’s a coach in the world who wouldn’t want him.

“I can only imagine the challenge for defenders who must face Real Madrid and contend with Mbappe, Vinicius, Valverde, Bellingham… I believe they are among the best players on the planet.”

‘Remarkable’ rapport

Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior noted that he collaborates well with Mbappe, despite some doubts about their compatibility within the team’s structure.

“There’s a lot of chatter… ‘Kyli’ is here to support us; he’s always provided us with confidence and is our goal-scorer. We need to be in sync tomorrow, with each other and with the fans,” he told reporters.

“It’s a challenging match where the top players can make a difference, and Kyli is certainly one of them. I share an incredible bond with him, both on and off the pitch.”

Vinicius committed that Madrid will perform at their peak against Bayern Munich following a disappointing display in LaLiga on Saturday, where they succumbed 2-1 to Mallorca, leaving them seven points behind league leaders Barcelona.

“There are times when we are more cohesive than others, and that was evident against Mallorca,” the forward explained.

“Coming off the international break, as the coach mentioned, if we’re not at 200 per cent, victory is unlikely.

“I hope we can reach that level tomorrow because it’s a significant day for us.”

The winger, who has emerged as a leading figure in the fight against racism, also addressed the Islamophobic chants from Spain’s recent friendly against Egypt, which Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal condemned.

“It’s important for Lamine to speak out; it can help others,” stated Vinicius, who alleged that he faced racial abuse from Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni in a Champions League match in February, a claim which the Argentine player denies.

“I’m not saying Spain, Germany, or Portugal are inherently racist countries, but there are indeed racists in these nations, just as there are in Brazil and many other countries.

“However, if we continue this fight together, I believe future generations of players will not have to endure such experiences, and that goes for society as a whole.”