Does Mbappé play today? Real Madrid x Benfica in the UEFA Champions League: where to watch live and lineups

Kylian The French striker is out with an injury to his left knee, with recurring pain in the lateral ligament that has been bothering him for weeks. The club’s medical department confirmed the problem after tests, and Mbappé was not listed for the decisive duel. The absence represents a significant impact on the merengue attack, as the player is the current top scorer in LaLiga and Champions League this season.

Mbappé expressed firm support for Vinícius Júnior after the episode of allegations of racism in the first game, in Lisboa. The Frenchman stated that he heard the Benfica player, Gianluca Prestianni, utter a racial insult repeatedly, specifying that he heard the term “monkey” five times directed at Vinícius. Mbappé defended his teammate and demanded strict punishment, even declaring that Prestianni did not deserve to be on the field and should be banned from the competition. Sua’s stance reinforced solidarity in the Real Madrid locker room during the game’s stoppage due to anti-racism protocol.

Real Madrid arrives with a 1-0 lead achieved in the first match, a goal by Vinícius Júnior. The team seeks to confirm its place in the round of 16 even without Mbappé. Benfica needs to reverse the aggregate score to advance. The Frenchman’s absence could change the offensive dynamics, with Gonzalo García likely to occupy a place in attack alongside Vinícius Júnior.

The game is scheduled for 9pm (Madri local time, equivalent to 5pm in Brasília time). Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić commands the match.

Real Madrid enters the field with the objective of managing the minimum advantage obtained in the first match. The team led by Álvaro Arbeloa counts on the support of the fans at Bernabéu to seal the classification. Benfica, led by José Mourinho, needs to score at least two goals without conceding to force extra time or advance directly. The absence of Mbappé requires adjustments in the Merengue attack.

Tickets for the game sold out quickly among Merengues fans. The stadium is expected to be full, with more than 80,000 people expected to attend.

Where to watch live and stream online

The match will be broadcast exclusively on HBO Max via streaming. Subscribers can follow all bids in real time via the platform’s app or website. Não there is an open broadcast on open TV on Brasil for this confrontation.

Probable lineups

Real Madrid must line up with Courtois in goal. The defense has Alexander-Arnold on the right flank, Asencio and Rüdiger in defense, in addition to Carreras on the left. In midfield, Tchouaméni, Camavinga, Valverde and Arda Güler play. The attack is left with Vinícius Júnior and Gonzalo García, as Mbappé is out due to a knee injury.

Benfica must enter the field with Trubin in goal. The defensive line has Dedic, António Silva, Otamendi and Dahl. In the middle, Barrenechea, Barreiro and Rafa Silva. The offensive sector has Sidny, Pavlidis and Schjelderup.

Embezzlement and suspensions

Real Madrid does not have Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen and Dani Ceballos due to injury, in addition to Rodrygo suspended and Jude Bellingham out due to a physical problem. Mbappé adds to the list of important absences.

Benfica has occasional absences, but maintains the main base to seek a turnaround in the aggregate score.

Results of the last 5 games of each team

Real Madrid comes from an irregular sequence in domestic competitions, but maintains focus on Champions. The Whites recorded a 1-0 victory over Benfica in the first leg, in addition to results such as victory in LaLiga against Real Sociedad and a draw or defeat in recent previous games.

Benfica is looking to recover after the defeat in the first match. The Portuguese team has alternated wins and draws in the national championship, but needs a superior performance in the Europa to advance.

Curiosities and recent history of clashes

The teams recently faced each other in the group stage and now in the playoffs. Real Madrid has an advantage in the current aggregate. Vinícius Júnior has been decisive in European knockout games. The Bernabéu represents an important factor for the home team in decisive duels of the Champions.

Guesses and expectations

Analysts point to favoritism for Real Madrid to confirm the place, given the advantage and field control. Benfica relies on quick counterattacks to surprise. The expectation is for a close game, with a possible tight score in normal time, even without Mbappé.

Arbitration

Slavko Vinčić referees the duel, assisted by the Slovenian team. The referee has experience in high-level UEFA matches.

Weather forecast in Madri today

The temperature in Madri at game time is around 10°C to 12°C, with partly cloudy skies and a low chance of rain. Condições favorable for the match to take place without interruptions.

The confrontation promises intensity from the beginning. Real Madrid pushes for direct classification. Benfica tries to set a high pace to reverse the result. Merengue fans should push the team towards the round of 16 of the Liga of the Campeões.