Real Madrid Faces Crisis and Injuries Ahead of Bayern Munich Clash

Real Madrid enters a critical phase of their season as they prepare for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich on April 15, 2026. The Spanish side is currently facing a period of significant instability following a 2-1 defeat to the German champions in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The pressure on head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has intensified after a series of disappointing results. In addition to the Champions League setback, Real Madrid suffered a loss to Mallorca, where a last-gasp goal by Vedat Muriqi left the club seven points behind league leaders Barcelona in the La Liga title race.

Squad Availability and Injury Concerns

Real Madrid’s roster is currently depleted by several key injuries, limiting Arbeloa’s tactical options ahead of the return leg at the Allianz Arena. The most significant absences include goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and forward Rodrygo.

Rodrygo is expected to be sidelined for approximately 12 months after suffering a severe knee injury earlier in April 2026. Thibaut Courtois is also unavailable due to a thigh or quad injury sustained during a previous Champions League match against Manchester City. Reports indicate Courtois is unlikely to return until late April or early May, with a potential return date of April 22 against Alaves.

Other notable absences and doubts include:

• Dani Ceballos: Out with a calf injury and not expected to be available until the end of April.
• Ferland Mendy: A major doubt due to a hamstring injury in the biceps femoris of his right leg, though he has been eyeing minutes off the bench.
• Kylian Mbappé: Reports indicate the star forward has suffered a head injury prior to the Bayern match.
• Franco Mastantuono: Unavailable due to suspension.

On a positive note, Jude Bellingham is expected to return to the starting lineup. Having recovered from a hamstring injury, Bellingham is utilizing matches to build match fitness specifically for the second leg against Bayern Munich.

Tactical Shifts and Recent Form

The team’s recent domestic form has mirrored their European struggles. The defeat to Mallorca has effectively put their La Liga title hopes in jeopardy, leaving the squad searching for redemption as they face Girona on Friday, April 11, 2026.

Arbeloa is expected to make several changes to the starting XI for the Girona fixture to balance the need for league points with the necessity of resting key players for the Champions League. Antonio Rüdiger is a candidate to be rested, which may open a starting opportunity for Éder Militão. Fran García is likely to feature at left back following a poor performance by Álvaro Carreras in the first leg against Bayern Munich.

Outlook for the Second Leg

Real Madrid must overturn a one-goal deficit on April 15 to advance to the Champions League semi-finals. The match represents a pivotal moment for Alvaro Arbeloa, as the club’s failure to secure a positive result in the first leg has led to increased scrutiny and a mutinous mood among supporters.

With the domestic title race slipping away and the European campaign hanging in the balance, the second leg against Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich side serves as the primary focus for the 15-time European champions.