Champions League 2025-2026: Real Madrid-Benfica, the likely lineups
Wednesday night at 9 p.m. at the Bernabeu will find out who will detach the pass for the round of 16 between Real Madrid and Benfica. Alvaro Arbeloa’s lineup, strong from its 1-0 success in the first leg, will still have to try to play the game despite a few too many absences, primarily that of its star MbappĂ©. On the other side comes a Benfica side that, despite the absence of its coach on the bench due to disqualification, believes strongly in victory. The Portuguese are aware that Real’s defense is not so insurmountable, and given also the absences, drops in attention are not allowed if they want to try to replicate the feat done against them on the last day of the group stage.
Arbeloa will bet everything on Vinicius and Gonzalo Garcia, ready to switch positions to give no points of reference. Important will be the imagination of Arda Guler and the drive of Alexander-Arnold on the right flank. In the middle, the Valverde-Tchouameni-Camavinga trio will shield the defense composed of the central Asencio-Rudiger pair.
In Benfica Pavlidis will be the’only offensive reference, supported by the quality of Rafa Silva, Schjelderup and Aursnes. In midfield, Barreiro and Barrenechea will act as a dam, while in defense Otamendi’s experience will lead the department to protect Trubin.
Probable lineups
Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rudiger, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Arda Guler, Vinicius, Garcia. All. Arbeloa
Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Schjelderup, Rafa Silva, Aursnes; Pavlidis. All. Mourinho
