Real Madrid and Benfica will meet again on Tuesday in the first leg of their Champions League playoff at the Estádio da Luz, following a dramatic encounter earlier this season.
The two teams faced off just three weeks ago in a league match that ended 4-2 in favor of Benfica, with goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scoring a stunning 98th-minute header to secure the win and prevent Real Madrid from advancing automatically to the knockout rounds.
Real Madrid team news
Alvaro Arbeloa will struggle without several key players for the trip to Lisbon, complicating preparations for this crucial match.
Jude Bellingham is unavailable due to a hamstring injury he sustained in early February. His absence is a major loss for Madrid, as Arbeloa has highlighted the midfielder’s leadership qualities.
Rodrygo is also missing, serving a suspension after receiving a red card in the last meeting. Additionally, Raul Asencio is banned following his late red card in the same game, and Éder Militão is still recovering from a long-term hamstring injury.
There is more hope for Kylian Mbappé, who has been dealing with a knee issue but is expected to play. Arbeloa mentioned that the forward has been managing discomfort and they opted to rest him to ensure he is ready for Tuesday.
Real Madrid predicted lineup
Possible Real Madrid starting XI:Â Courtois; Carreras, Huijsen, Rudiger, Alexander-Arnold; Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde; Vinicius, Mbappe, Guler.
When will the match kick off?
The match will start at 8pm BST on Tuesday, 17th February.
How to watch Benfica vs Real Madrid?
In the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports.
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