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• Spanish media raise big concerns about Real Madrid vs Man City referee hours before match

  Spanish commentators have expressed significant concern regarding the appointment of Italian official Maurizio Mariani for tonight’s Champions League clash, citing his restrictive officiating style and historic statistics. ​Spanish media outlets have voiced grave concerns over referee Maurizio Mariani ahead of Manchester City’s Champions League visit to Real Madrid. Former official Iturralde Gonzalez criticized the 44-year-old’s tendency to control the flow of the match, stating: “He doesn’t let the game flow, he prefers to steer it where he wants, and I don’t like that kind of refereeing.” Gonzalez further warned: “Instead of letting the game unfold, he takes the game where he wants.” ​Mariani, who has a career record of 1,848 yellow cards, is perceived as a “no-nonsense” official who does not typically favor home sides. This adds pressure to a historic fixture marking the fifth consecutive season these giants have met in the knockout stages. Real Madrid, aiming for a 16th European title, face a City side that recently secured a 2-1 victory at the Bernabeu during the league phase in December.

• Bayer Leverkusen wary of Hincapie and Havertz in UCL homecoming

  Arsenal visit Bayer Leverkusen tonight for the first leg of their Champions League round-of-16 tie, with Mikel Arteta balancing the return of key defenders against a disciplined German side that recently defeated Manchester City.

  ​Arsenal arrive at the BayArena as favorites following a flawless group stage, but Mikel Arteta has warned his side against complacency.

  With Martin Ødegaard still sidelined, the Gunners are boosted by the availability of William Saliba and Ben White.

  Arteta noted the difficulty of the fixture, acknowledging Leverkusen’s strength at home, where they previously drew with Newcastle and defeated Villarreal during this campaign.

  ​The match features significant “homecomings” for Kai Havertz and Piero Hincapié, the latter currently on loan at Arsenal from the German club.

  Leverkusen, managed by Kasper Hjulmand, are expected to utilize a compact back-three system spearheaded by Alejandro Grimaldo.

  Despite fatigue concerns for the hosts, Arteta remains cautious, knowing that a poor tactical display could leave the Premier League leaders with a mountain to climb.

• Arsenal hailed as ‘perhaps best team in Europe’ ahead of Bayer Leverkusen clash

  Bayer Leverkusen head coach Kasper Hjulmand has described Arsenal as potentially the greatest team in Europe as the Bundesliga side prepares to host the red-hot Premier League leaders in the Champions League tonight.

  ​Bayer Leverkusen boss Kasper Hjulmand believes his side faces the ultimate test tonight against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

  The Gunners arrive in Germany following a flawless group stage where they secured eight consecutive victories.

  Hjulmand expressed deep respect for the visitors’ current form, noting, “Arsenal are perhaps the best team in Europe at the moment,” while emphasizing his players must maintain self-belief to secure a result.

  ​The fixture marks an emotional homecoming for Kai Havertz, who returns to the club where he spent a decade.

  Havertz, recently back from injury, acknowledged the difficulty of the task but remains focused on an away win.

  Mikel Arteta, whose side sits seven points clear in the Premier League, dismissed favorites’ tags during his press conference, urging his squad to “live in the present.”

• Donnarumma hopeful of Kylian Mbappe battle in Champions League return leg

  Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his hope that former teammate Kylian Mbappé recovers from injury in time for the Champions League second leg in Manchester next week.  

  ​Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma admits facing Real Madrid without the injured Kylian Mbappé provides a defensive advantage but hopes to see the Frenchman fit for the return leg.

  Mbappé remains sidelined with a knee injury for Wednesday’s clash at the Bernabéu. “I hope that he (Mbappe) can come back very soon – and can be ready for the second-leg, because he deserves it,” Donnarumma said.

  ​Despite the forward’s absence, Donnarumma remains wary of Real Madrid’s depth amid their significant injury crisis.

  The Italian international, who has established himself as Pep Guardiola’s primary goalkeeper since arriving from PSG, also praised opposite number Thibaut Courtois.

  Donnarumma noted, “He (Courtois) has been among the best in class for many years and I have many things to learn from such a goalkeeper.”

• Why this Real Madrid vs Manchester City classic is different

  Real Madrid and Manchester City meet for a fifth consecutive Champions League knockout campaign, with Alvaro Arbeloa’s injury-depleted side facing a City team bolstered by fresh talent and the return of Erling Haaland.  

  ​The “New European Classic” returns to the Bernabéu tonight as Real Madrid host Manchester City in a Round of 16 clash defined by significant absentees.

  Los Blancos must navigate a massive injury crisis, with star forward Kylian Mbappé (knee) and Jude Bellingham (hamstring) both ruled out of the first leg.

  Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa, who replaced Xabi Alonso in January, faces a tactical mountain as he attempts to stop a City side that already triumphed 2-1 in Madrid during the league phase earlier this season.

  ​Manchester City enter the tie as favorites, welcoming back a rested Erling Haaland after he sat out the FA Cup victory over Newcastle.

  While Pep Guardiola is forced to watch from the stands due to a touchline ban, his squad appears near full strength, featuring high-impact newcomers Marc Guéhi and Antoine Semenyo.

  Despite City’s recent dominance in this fixture, Arbeloa remains defiant about his side’s underdog status, asserting, “We’re Real Madrid, we shouldn’t feel inferior to anybody.”

  ​The tactical battle will likely see Madrid sit deep and counter-attack through the electric Vinícius Júnior, while City aim to control possession through the fit-again Rodri.

  With Mbappé sidelined, the responsibility for goals falls on young Gonzalo García or former City player Brahim Díaz.

  For City, the inclusion of youth sensation Nico O’Reilly, who scored in the previous Bernabéu meeting, could provide the “stardust” needed to overcome a Madrid defense led by the experienced Antonio Rüdiger.