✈️ Arbeloa names almost same squad for Benfica as vs Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Real Madrid already has its sights set on Lisbon. Álvaro Arbeloa has announced the squad list for the first leg of the Champions League playoff against Benfica.

The white expedition travels to Portugal marked by significant absences. Eder Militao, Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo Goes have not managed to recover in time from their respective ailments and will remain in Madrid.

These absences force the coach to seek alternatives in a squad that, despite the setbacks, maintains its status as a favorite to advance in the top continental competition.

Joan Martínez, Thiago, and Cestero, called up

In the defensive line, the big news is the presence of Joan Martínez. The young center-back, who has already demonstrated his maturity under Arbeloa's guidance in the reserves, strengthens a defense that must be very attentive to the push from Da Luz. 

The midfield also receives fresh blood with the call-ups of Thiago Pitarch and Jorge Cestero. Both players have been the pillars of balance in Castilla this season.

Thiago stands out for his vision of the game and control of timing, while Cestero, who played a few minutes against Real Sociedad with remarkable performance, brings that physical presence and ability to reach the area that could be vital to compensate for the absence of a stalwart like Bellingham.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

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