Dani Carvajal’s place in Real Madrid XI in doubt before Benfica play-off | OneFootball

With the UEFA Champions League play-off against Benfica days away, Dani Carvajal’s starting place at Real Madrid remains uncertain.

According to Glorioso 1904, the 34-year-old’s last start came in the 5-2 defeat at Atlético Madrid on 27 September 2025, and he is unhappy with his lack of minutes. Even after a change in the dugout, his role has stayed secondary.

After returning from a cruciate ligament rupture suffered in October 2024, he has been named on the bench in eight of the past 10 matches, and in the other two he featured only in the closing minutes. In Sunday’s 2-0 win at Valencia, he did not come on, with Álvaro Arbeloa selecting youngster David Jiménez from the start.

Footage circulated on social media of Carvajal speaking with fitness coach Antonio Pintus at an empty Mestalla, prompting questions over the captain’s mood. Arbeloa has also turned to alternatives, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has been used sparingly this season.

With no minutes across his last six outings, Carvajal could again be left out of the XI against Benfica. The first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off is on 17, with the return in Madrid on 25 this month, both at 20:00.

Source: Glorioso 1904