Real Madrid starting lineup vs Benfica today: Predicted XI for UCL clash

Real Madrid dug themselves into a serious hole three weeks ago at Estádio da Luz in Lisbon. A 4-2 loss to Benfica not only pushed the Portuguese side into the playoff round, it knocked Madrid out of the top eight and left a bitter aftertaste after goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored Benfica’s fourth in the final play of the game.

That late goal still stings.

Now Los Blancos must face José Mourinho’s Benfica twice more, starting with the first leg of this playoff tie back in Lisbon on Tuesday. The mission is clear: deliver a far sharper performance and avoid the kind of late collapse that turned the previous meeting into a nightmare.

Key absences force defensive reshuffle

Manager Álvaro Arbeloa will be without two key players.

Raúl Asencio is suspended after being sent off in the previous game at Da Luz. Rodrygo is also unavailable. The Brazilian saw red in Lisbon and was handed a two-game ban, meaning he will miss both legs of the tie.

There is, however, timely relief in defense. Antonio Rüdiger returns after injury and is expected to partner Dean Huijsen at center back. Trent Alexander-Arnold, coming off a standout performance against Real Sociedad, should start at right back, with Álvaro Carreras on the left. In goal, there is no debate: Thibaut Courtois starts.

Midfield formula without Bellingham

In midfield, Arbeloa is set to stick with the setup that produced encouraging results against Real Sociedad and, to a lesser extent, Valencia.

Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni and Eduardo Camavinga will form a three-man base, providing balance and defensive cover. Ahead of them, Arda Güler is expected to operate with freedom, tasked with linking play and supplying the forwards.

This structure has worked in Jude Bellingham’s absence. Once the England international returns, Arbeloa will face a selection dilemma. For now, stability is the priority.

Mbappé back to lead the attack

Up front, Kylian Mbappé returns after being rested against Real Sociedad. He is set to partner Vinícius Júnior in a high-powered front line designed to stretch Benfica’s back line.

Mbappé’s return likely sends Gonzalo to the bench, despite the youngster scoring Madrid’s opener in the previous outing.

Possible Real Madrid XI vs Benfica

With suspensions biting and the memory of that 4-2 defeat still fresh, Madrid’s projected starting XI against Benfica is as follows:

Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Rüdiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Güler; Mbappé and Vinícius.