Real Madrid has finalized its tactical lineup for the highly anticipated Champions League knockout playoff opener against JosĂ© Mourinhoâs 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 EstĂĄdio 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 Ălvaro Arbeloa looks to navigate a hostile atmosphere in Lisbon. While long-term absentees like Jude Bellingham and Ăder MilitĂŁo remain sidelined, the inclusion of key figures such as Kylian MbappĂ© and VinĂcius JĂșnior provides the necessary offensive firepower. The roster also showcases the club’s defensive depth, integrating established stars like Antonio RĂŒdiger and Dani Carvajal alongside the recently returned Trent Alexander-Arnold.
âReal Madridâs squad against Benfica: Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, and Fran GonzĂĄlez. Defenders: RĂŒdiger, Mendy, Huijsen, Joan MartĂnez, Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Ă. Carreras, and Fran GarcĂa. Midfielders: Arda GĂŒler, Ceballos, Cestero, Thiago, Camavinga, Valverde and Tchouameni. Forwards: Vini Jr., MbappĂ©, Gonzalo, Brahim, and Mastantuono,â the official announcement detailed.
The selection emphasizes a robust midfield core, with Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde expected to play pivotal roles in neutralizing Benficaâs creative engine. Additionally, the inclusion of young prospects like Joan MartĂnez and Franco Mastantuono signals Arbeloaâs 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 BernabĂ©u.
For Benfica, the arrival of Real Madrid marks a definitive test for Mourinhoâs 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.
