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| Real Madrid vs Benfica | |
| Match Details | |
| Match: | Real Madrid vs Benfica |
| Tournament: | UEFA Champions League |
| Match Time: | 1:30 AM |
| Stadium: | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid, Spain |
Preview: Real Madrid vs Benfica
Real Madrid enters this decisive second leg with a slender advantage following Vinícius Júnior's winner in Lisbon, but the squad is reeling from significant injury blows. Manager Álvaro Arbeloa is forced to navigate a crisis as Kylian Mbappé has been ruled out due to a knee injury, joining high-profile stars Jude Bellingham and Éder Militão on the sidelines. Despite a recent shock 2-1 defeat to Osasuna that cost them the top spot in La Liga, "Los Blancos" remain formidable at home, where they have secured six consecutive victories while averaging over three goals per match. Benfica arrives in the Spanish capital with a score to settle and a historical edge, having defeated Madrid 4-2 earlier this season in the league phase. The "Eagles" are currently managed by former Madrid boss José Mourinho, though he will serve a touchline ban tonight following a red card in the first leg. The visitors will be missing winger Gianluca Prestianni, who is provisionally suspended by UEFA amid a racism investigation, but they welcome back Dodi Lukébakio to bolster an attack led by the prolific Vangelis Pavlidis, who has 28 goals this term.
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Tactically, Madrid is expected to adopt a diamond midfield to control possession, relying on the creative spark of Arda Güler and the blistering pace of Vinícius Júnior on the counter. Benfica, trailing by a goal, must abandon their conservative approach from the first leg and take the game to their hosts, likely utilizing the returning Richard Ríos to solidify their double pivot. While the Bernabéu crowd will provide a hostile atmosphere, Benfica’s experience under Mourinho makes them a dangerous threat to overturn the deficit if they can exploit Madrid's inconsistent backline. The stakes could not be higher for both clubs, as the winner of this tie will advance to the Round of 16 to face either Manchester City or Sporting CP. Real Madrid has historically progressed in 22 of their last 23 European ties when winning the first leg, but their current personnel shortage makes them vulnerable to a well-drilled Portuguese side. If Arbeloa’s men can survive the early pressure and find a goal through youngster Gonzalo García, they should see out the tie, but a quick start from the "Eagles" could turn this into a classic European "chaos" night.
Real Madrid Possible XI
Real Madrid LineUp (4-1-2-1-2): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Asencio, Carreras; Tchouaméni; Camavinga, Valverde; Güler; Vinícius Júnior, García.
Benfica Possible XI
Benfica LineUp (4-4-2): Trubin; Dedić, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Ríos, Aursnes; Lukébakio, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis.
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