Mbappe fit for Benfica clash, Real Madrid confirm
Real Madrid have moved to ease concerns over Kylian Mbappe’s fitness ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League play-off against Benfica in Lisbon.
Mbappe was an unused substitute in Madrid’s 4-1 La Liga victory over Real Sociedad on Saturday, prompting speculation about his availability for the crucial European fixture.
The French striker, who has scored 23 league goals this season, was rested as a precaution.
Arbeloa explains decision
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa clarified that the decision was preventive rather than enforced.
“Mbappe is doing very well. He has been dealing with small discomfort for some time and has been making efforts to play, so today we didn’t want to take risks ahead of Tuesday’s match,” Arbeloa said.
Mbappe subsequently trained on Sunday, underlining the club’s expectation that he will be available for the first leg in Portugal.
The fixture revives a recent rivalry after Benfica’s 4-2 group-stage win over Madrid at the Estadio da Luz.
Mbappe scored both goals for Los Blancos that night, but late drama, including a stoppage-time header from goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin, secured Benfica’s progression and pushed Madrid out of the top eight.
Squad updates ahead of Lisbon trip
Madrid will, however, be without Jude Bellingham, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Eder Militao remains unavailable.
Rodrygo and Raul Asencio are suspended following red cards in the previous meeting.
Saturday’s league win offered momentum. Gonzalo Garcia opened the scoring before Vinicius Junior netted twice, with Federico Valverde also on target as Madrid climbed to the top of La Liga.
Reflecting on the performance, Arbeloa said: “Today we did play a great game defensively, but in the first half we also saw a team in the opponent’s half that was looser, with greater mobility, capable of turning the ball faster.”
On Vinicius, he added: “I’ve been watching a great Vinicius for a month, not just this game. He has been playing games of a very high level, being unbalanced.”
With Mbappe expected to lead the line, Madrid head to Lisbon seeking immediate revenge and a place in the last 16.
