Champions League 2025-2026: Benfica-Real Madrid, the likely lineups

Real Madrid visits Benfica on the final day of the Champions League single group stage. Kickoff at 9 p.m. at the Da Luz in Lisbon. The Blancos should only need a point to secure direct qualification to the round of 16, while the Lusitanians need to win and hope for a few missteps by their direct competitors to detach their playoff pass.

Mourinho is banking on Pavlidis in attack, with Sudakov behind him on the trequari, completed by Aursnes and Shjelderup, ahead of Prestianni. In midfield Barreiro will pair with Barrenechea, in defense Dedic again on the right, with Dahl on the left.

Arbeloa relies on Mbappé in attack, with Mastantuono and Vincius on his sides in the offensive trident. In midfield, Güler is slightly favored over Camavinga to complete the trio with Tchouameni and Bellingham, and in defense Asencio alongside Huijsen.

Probable lineups

Benfica (4-2-3-1): Trubin; Dedic, Araujo, Otamendi, Dahl; Barreiro, Barrenechea; Aursnes, Sudakov, Schjelderup; Pavlidis. Coach: Mourinho.

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Real Madrid (4-3-3): Courtois; Valverde, Asencio, Huijsen, Carreras; Güler, Tchouaméni, Bellingham; Mastantuono, Mbappé, Vinicius. Coach: Arbeloa.