Tchouameni, Mastantuono start in a 4-3-3: How Real Madrid can line up against Benfica | OneFootball

Real Madrid will lock horns with SL Benfica in the final matchday of the league phase of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League tonight at Estadio Da Luz.

Currently third in the table, the Merengues will want to secure all three points against Jose Mourinho’s side so as to ensure their spot in the top eight of the table without any danger.

Despite a dodgy start to Alvaro Arbeloa’s tenure as manager, things are looking up for Real Madrid, having picked up three wins in a row in all competitions, most recently defeating Villarreal in La Liga.

However, injuries remain a concern as the Spanish capital club go into the game without several defenders, including Eder Militao, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, and Ferland Mendy.

Meanwhile, Benfica are in a lowly 29th position in the Champions League standings and head into the game on the back of an inconsistent run of results, although they did win their most recent match against Estrela Amadora.

Ahead of what will be a special reunion between Arbeloa and Mourinho, here’s how the new Real Madrid coach will set his team up against his former manager and mentor.

Defence

Thibaut Courtois is the undisputed starter in goal for Real Madrid and that will not change tonight against Benfica at Estadio Da Luz. The Belgian shot-stopper will hope to secure a clean sheet.

Meanwhile, Federico Valverde ought to continue as the right-back for the visitors with Trent still unavailable and Dani Carvajal not fit enough to start matches. Alvaro Carreras will line up on the left side of the defensive unit as he gets set to face his former club.

Given the absences in the centre-back department, Arbeloa has no options but to stick with the pairing of Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio, who is playing through pain from an injury.

Playing through pain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Midfield

Aurelien Tchouameni, who missed the Villarreal clash at the weekend through suspension, is back in the squad and should start at the base of the three-man midfield tonight against Benfica.

Jude Bellingham is a permanent fixture in the middle of the park for Los Blancos, with Arbeloa praising the England international heavily in the lead-up to the game.

Finally, the third midfield slot for Real Madrid will be a toss-up between Eduardo Camavinga and Arda Guler, with the Turkish international likely to get the nod due to his creativity and vision.

Attack

Kylian Mbappe is fit and firing again and is expected to retain his place in the starting XI for Real Madrid, acting as the focal point of the attack.

Meanwhile, partnering the French forward will be fellow superstar Vinicius Jr., who is looking to recapture his best form after what has been a largely subpar season compared to his standards.

On the right flank, Arbeloa has multiple options, with Rodrygo Goes back to full fitness and Brahim Diaz returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

However, considering the form that Franco Mastantuono has shown in recent games, the Argentine starlet is likely to get another start on the right.