Real Madrid has finalized its tactical lineup for the highly anticipated Champions League knockout playoff opener against José Mourinho’s Benfica. The Spanish giants officially released their 24-man roster via the club’s digital channels on Monday, ahead of Tuesday night’s crucial first-leg encounter at the Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. This fixture represents a significant hurdle for the 15-time European champions, as the aggregate winner of this two-legged series will secure a coveted place in the Round of 16.
The squad traveling to Portugal features a blend of veteran leadership and emerging talent as Álvaro Arbeloa looks to navigate a hostile atmosphere in Lisbon. While long-term absentees like Jude Bellingham and Éder Militão remain sidelined, the inclusion of key figures such as Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior provides the necessary offensive firepower. The roster also showcases the club’s defensive depth, integrating established stars like Antonio Rüdiger and Dani Carvajal alongside the recently returned Trent Alexander-Arnold.
“Real Madrid’s squad against Benfica: Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Fran González. Defenders: Rüdiger, Mendy, Huijsen, Joan Martínez, Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Á. Carreras, and Fran García. Midfielders: Arda Güler, Ceballos, Cestero, Thiago, Camavinga, Valverde and Tchouameni. Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Gonzalo, Brahim, and Mastantuono,” the official announcement detailed.
The selection emphasizes a robust midfield core, with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde expected to play pivotal roles in neutralizing Benfica’s creative engine. Additionally, the inclusion of young prospects like Joan Martínez and Franco Mastantuono signals Arbeloa’s confidence in the academy products during high-pressure European nights. Madrid will aim to leverage this 24-man unit to secure a favorable result away from home before hosting the return leg at the Santiago Bernabéu.
For Benfica, the arrival of Real Madrid marks a definitive test for Mourinho’s tactical structure. The Portuguese side previously stunned the football world with a 4-2 victory over the Madridistas in January, a result that forced this playoff scenario. As the teams prepare for kickoff at 8:00 pm GMT, the released squad list confirms that Real Madrid intends to deploy a full-strength assault to avoid another upset on Portuguese soil.
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