Akinlabi Makes The Cut As Real Madrid Provide UEFA With Updated Champions League Squad

Published: February 04, 2021

UEFA's official website has published Real Madrid's updated squad list for the knockout rounds of the Champions League following the close of the winter transfer market.

Each club left in the competition was permitted to register three new players on the List A by midnight CET on Tuesday 2 February.

Los Blancos coach Zinedine Zidane has opted to retain Nigeria-eligible winger Marvin Akinlabi in his squad list ahead of the round of sixteen clash against Atalanta on February 24.

Akinlabi, 20, has been on the books of the Spanish champions for five years and is among the youngsters, players aged 21 or under, included on the List B.

Zidane handed a first team debut to Akinlabi in his side's goalless draw with Real Sociedad back in September, and he
entered into the history books as the first Nigeria-eligible footballer to play competitively for Real Madrid's first team in the process.

With Real Madrid not in contention to win La Liga, Super Cup and Copa del Rey, the French football tactician is expected to field his best players for the knockout rounds as the Champions League is the club's most realistic chance of winning silverware this season, meaning Akinlabi has a slim chance of making his European debut this season.

The Spanish-Nigerian has appeared in seven matches for Real Madrid Castilla in the Segunda División B - Grupo V in 2020-2021.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : realmadrid.com

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com