Real Madrid starting XI against Benfica in the Champions League playoff second leg

Against Benfica, without Kylian Mbappé? That appears to be the case – short of a minor miracle. Inside Real Madrid there is no definitive ruling out of the Frenchman, everything hinges on how he feels in the morning, but the condition of his left knee suggests caution. Rest is the priority, as reported by AS. He needs it ahead of the game against Getafe too, and at this stage the only certainty is that he would be fully fit for Celta if the anticipated – and necessary – break is confirmed. For the return leg against the Eagles, Gonzalo is in line to start.

Madrid’s cushion is the 1-0 from the first leg at the Estádio da Luz. That breakthrough came courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Vinicius, followed by an alleged insult now under investigation that soured everything that followed – and tarnished the game. Prestianni will not feature because of a precautionary suspension, but the Brazilian will be there to complete the attacking partnership in a 4-4-2 system Álvaro Arbeloa has been building from a platform of defensive security. Solid foundations and firepower up front – something that was missing at El Sadar, and reflected in the result.

That backbone comes from the engine room. With Jude Bellingham still sidelined – and Dani Ceballos not part of the equation – the quartet almost picks itself: Federico Valverde, Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga. In that order, as they might say in Wales. The shape allows the Falcon to roam, the French duo to tighten the screws, and the Turkish playmaker to create. That is the blueprint, at least in theory. But this uneven Madrid does not always find its Alice on the field.

Without Huijsen

The defense shielding the guardian who protects everyone – Thibaut Courtois – will not quite mirror the lineup at the Luz, but it will be close. Dean Huijsen pushed to be ready but will not make it. If Mbappé’s concern is his left knee, Huijsen’s is his right soleus muscle. His absence is confirmed. In his place, Asencio will look to erase Pamplona from memory, turning it into a mere blemish on what had been a steadily rising campaign. Alongside him will be Antonio Rüdiger, who was able to recharge at El Sadar.

Out wide, Trent Alexander-Arnold will once again don the quarterback’s disguise, while Álvaro Carreras faces yet another special night against the club that made him special. The likely lineup as Madrid chase a place in the round of 16 reads as follows: Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Gonzalo or Mbappé and Vinicius.

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