Kylian Mbappe was not included in the Real Madrid squad for the decisive Champions League play-off match against Benfica Lisbon. The French striker is struggling with a left knee injury, which ultimately ruled him out of the game. The medical staff's decision came just before the match, despite earlier hopes for the return of the Royal's offensive leader to the starting lineup.

Mbappe Officially Out of the Squad

Real Madrid's attacker will not play in the return leg against Benfica due to a recurring left knee injury.

Coach Arbeloa's Dilemmas

The Royal's manager must rebuild the attack in the absence of his most prolific scorer.

Blockbuster Clash in Paris

Simultaneously, the PSG vs. Monaco match is taking place, where the Parisians are struggling with problems in their own defense.

Real Madrid's squad situation ahead of the return leg clash with Benfica has deteriorated sharply. The club's medical staff, after a series of detailed tests, made the final decision to exclude Kylian Mbappe from the matchday squad. The reason for his absence is increasing discomfort in his left knee, which prevented the player from participating in the last closed training session. Alvaro Arbeloa, leading the Madrid team, must now reorganize the attacking line, which poses a huge challenge ahead of the crucial clash at the Santiago Bernabeu. Meanwhile, in Paris, media attention is focused on another prestigious encounter, in which PSG will host AS Monaco. The French club is grappling with criticism regarding the instability of its defensive block, which raises concerns among fans ahead of the confrontation with the rival from the Principality. Both encounters are taking place against the backdrop of reports about a possible return of Jose Mourinho to Madrid, which only adds to the atmosphere surrounding the Spanish giant. Experts point out that Mbappe's absence may force Arbeloa to change the tactical system, giving younger players a chance to prove themselves in the continent's most prestigious competition. Since 2024, Real Madrid has been implementing a new squad-building strategy based on combining the world's biggest stars with talented youth, aiming to secure European dominance for the next decade. For Benfica, the absence of the French star is a significant advantage in their attempt to overturn the deficit from the first leg. The Lisbon side arrives in the Spanish capital after a 0:1 defeat at home, but determined to exploit their rival's weakness. The atmosphere around the match remains tense also due to incidents from the first leg, which are still being analyzed by disciplinary bodies. Fans in Madrid are counting on the genius of Vinicius Junior, who, in Mbappe's absence, will take full responsibility for creating goal-scoring opportunities and breaking down the defensive lines of the Portuguese team.

Mentioned People

  • Kylian Mbappe — Real Madrid star ruled out of the match due to a knee injury.
  • Alvaro Arbeloa — Real Madrid coach responsible for preparing the team for the return leg.
  • Jose Mourinho — Manager mentioned in the context of a potential return to Real Madrid.