Mbappe Decision Revealed: Real Madrid's Explosive Lineup Against Benfica Despite Injury Concerns
Seeking to make amends, Real Madrid head back to Lisbon for their Champions League knockout phase playoff first leg encounter against Benfica this Tuesday night.
The record 15-time European titleholders endured a crushing 4–2 loss to José Mourinho's squad in their concluding league phase match in January. This defeat pushed Real Madrid outside the top eight positions and condemned the Spanish powerhouse to playoff qualification, a scenario they also faced in the previous campaign.
Fourteen days on, both teams prepare to meet once more, now in a decisive two-leg battle with Champions League round of 16 advancement at stake. Los Blancos enter this encounter having secured victory in six of their past seven outings across all tournaments, increasingly resembling a squad ready to compete for major honors ... however, they face personnel challenges for this crucial encounter.
Match Snapshot
Match Snapshot
Team News
Team News
While Real Madrid have welcomed back both Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold from injury, they remain without long-term casualty Éder Militão. Jude Bellingham has also joined the Brazilian on the treatment table following a hamstring problem sustained earlier this month.
Both Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo face suspension after receiving red cards in the team's final league phase encounter, although the latter would have been unavailable for Tuesday's match anyway due to a hamstring complaint.
Kylian Mbappé represents the primary fitness concern in Arbeloa's selection. The French forward was absent from weekend action due to a knee issue, but current indications suggest he will rejoin the starting eleven alongside Vinicius Junior, despite potentially not being at peak condition.
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica (4-4-2)
Real Madrid Predicted Lineup vs. Benfica (4-4-2)
GK: Thibaut Courtois—The Belgian goalkeeper was the sole reason Real Madrid avoided conceding six goals in their final league phase match. On this occasion, Courtois benefits from a significantly more seasoned defensive unit for support.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold—Following an outstanding display against Real Sociedad, Alexander-Arnold returns to the starting lineup for his first Champions League appearance since November.
CB: Antonio Rüdiger—Rüdiger replaces the suspended Asencio, though consecutive starts so quickly after returning from injury places the 32-year-old defender at risk of relapse.
CB: Dean Huijsen—Despite another uncertain showing over the weekend, Huijsen persists with his baptism of fire introduction at Real Madrid.
LB: Álvaro Carreras—Carreras delivered an unusually disappointing display against Benfica previously, a showing he will aim to rectify this Tuesday.
RM: Federico Valverde—His much-anticipated return to midfield duties didn't begin as anticipated, but Valverde is gradually regaining his rhythm in his central role.
CM: Arda Güler—Anticipate Güler featuring in every match until Bellingham's comeback. The Turkish talent represents the finest creative midfielder available without the England international in the squad.
CM: Aurélien Tchouaméni—The midfielder managed only 55 minutes in the previous Benfica encounter and conceded a crucial penalty. Tchouaméni should feel more assured on Tuesday with his compatriot alongside him.
LM: Eduardo Camavinga—Camavinga's tenacious defending and outstanding work ethic secure his position in Arbeloa's starting eleven.
ST: Kylian Mbappé—Despite potentially not being at full fitness, Mbappé appears set to feature in Lisbon. Real Madrid cannot risk playing such a decisive match without their leading goalscorer, who has already netted 38 times this campaign.
ST: Vinicius Junior—Coming off an impressive display at the Bernabéu, Vinicius Junior returns to compete in his preferred tournament. Having finally achieved double-digit goals in 2025–26, the Brazilian should feel considerable relief.