Heads up, Benfica: Real Madrid get key player back for Champions League | OneFootball

Real Madrid has announced the squad for the reunion with Benfica at Estádio da Luz, for the first leg of the UEFA Champions League play-off. Arbeloa is bringing 24 players to Lisbon, including Kylian Mbappé.

The French forward is back, after having stayed on the bench for the "merengues" in the match against Real Sociedad last Saturday. Álvaro Carreras, who played for Benfica for a season and a half and returned to the merengues in the summer, returns to Luz, something that already happened in the last round of the league phase.

The blancos are also bringing heavyweight Vinícius Júnior. Arbeloa has also called up young players such as Fran González (goalkeeper), Joan Martínez (central defender), Cestero (midfielder), and Thiago (midfielder). Raúl Asencio and Rodrygo, who were sent off at Luz, and Jude Bellingham, who is injured, are confirmed absences from Real Madrid’s squad.

It’s worth noting that José Mourinho has reasons to smile at this Monday’s training session, February 16. Preparing for the reception of Real Madrid, Benfica’s coach, aged 63, had Fredrik Aursnes and Amar Dedic back in training.

Remember that Benfica and Real Madrid are playing the first leg of the playoff that grants access to the round of 16 of the Champions League. The match is scheduled for this Tuesday, February 17, at 8:00 p.m., at Estádio da Luz, and will be refereed by François Letexier. The clash will be broadcast on Sport TV and will have exclusive commentary on Benfica FM.

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