Playmakerstats
·25 February 2026
Mbappé to miss Real Madrid's clash against Benfica

In partnership with
Yahoo sportsPlaymakerstats
·25 February 2026

Real Madrid have confirmed their squad for tonight’s Champions League second-leg clash with Benfica - and Kylian Mbappé will not feature.
The French forward’s absence had been expected after he was forced to cut short a training session earlier this week. Although there was a late push to see whether he could be included, the decision has now been made to leave him out.
Mbappé’s omission is a significant blow for Álvaro Arbeloa's side given his extraordinary form this season. The 25-year-old has scored 38 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
In his place, Gonzalo García is expected to start. The youngster has six goals in 28 matches this term, though asking him to replicate Mbappé’s influence would be a tall order.
Madrid take a slender 1-0 advantage into the tie after last week’s first leg in Lisbon. Kick-off at the Santiago Bernabéu is scheduled for 8pm, with a place in the next round at stake.









































