Gianluigi Donnarumma believes Manchester City have an advantage in their Champions League clash with Real Madrid due to Kylian Mbappé's absence. The French striker, who scored 13 goals this season and netted a hat-trick against City last year, sat out training and will miss Wednesday's first leg at the Bernabeu.

Donnarumma played alongside Mbappé at Paris Saint-Germain and knows firsthand the threat he poses. 'As a great keeper not facing these players can be an advantage,' the Italian goalkeeper said. 'I have less work to do, but the players that will replace him are champions.' He emphasized that Real Madrid remains a formidable opponent despite the star's absence.

The 27-year-old goalkeeper, fresh from winning the Champions League with PSG last season, joined City in the summer and sees his new team as genuine contenders. 'There are many strong teams, tough teams,' Donnarumma said. 'Every single detail could make the difference' in these knockout matches where 'you are in or out.'