Real Madrid - Benfica: Benfica add returns, Prestianni travels but ineligible for play-off decider | OneFootball

Benfica have named a refreshed squad for Wednesday’s Champions League play-off second leg at Real Madrid, with Samuel Soares and Sudakov returning and Bruma left out.

According to Glorioso 1904, the team flew to Madrid this morning. Gianluca Prestianni travelled with the group but cannot play because of a provisional UEFA suspension. Soares has been sidelined since December, while Sudakov missed the AFS SAD match.

The final list includes three goalkeepers, Trubin, Samuel Soares and Diogo Ferreira. Eight defenders, Dedic, Bah, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, António Silva, Lopes Cabral, Dahl and José Neto. Five midfielders, Barrenechea, Aursnes, Richard Ríos, Manu Silva and Leandro Barreiro. Seven forwards, Lukebakio, Sudakov, Schjelderup, Ivanovic, Rafa Silva, Pavlidis and Anísio Cabral.

Assistant coach João Tralhão addressed the tie in a news conference, noting José Mourinho’s absence and discussing Prestianni’s situation. He said the team lose out without Mourinho, while stressing the group are focused.

The second leg is on Wednesday 25 February at 20:00 at the Bernabéu. The match decides a place in the Champions League last 16 and will be shown on Sport TV5.

Source: Glorioso 1904