Real without Mbappé faces Benfica today
Madrid's "Real" club will play the return match against Portugal's "Benfica" today within the framework of the UEFA Champions League. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
In the first match held in Lisbon, "Real" won 1-0. Although this result gives the team an advantage, the ticket to the quarter-finals will be decided in today's game.
However, there is unpleasant news for the Madrid team before the important match: the team's main striker Kylian Mbappe will not be able to play today due to a knee injury. According to ESPN and other sources, Mbappe was left out of the squad due to pain in his left knee.
The player was also unable to complete Tuesday's training fully, so doctors and coaches decided it was best for him to rest. This decision may affect the team's attacking potential, as Mbappe is considered one of Real's most important players this season.
The lineup for "Real" in today's match is as follows: goalkeepers – Courtois, Lunin, and Fran Gonzalez; defenders – Carvajal, Alaba, Trent, Asensio, Carreras, Fran Garcia, Rudiger, and F. Mendy; midfielders – Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouameni, Arda Guler, Sestero, Manuel Angel, and Thiago; forwards – Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo, Brahim, and Mastantuono.
The team is led by head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. In Mbappe's absence, the main focus in attack will be on players like Vinicius Junior, Brahim, and Gonzalo.
It is assumed that Gonzalo may get the opportunity to play as the central striker. This match will be an important evening not only for the result but also to test the depth of the "Real" squad.
Although the Madrid team enters today's game with an advantage, Mbappe's absence may cause difficulties for them. Against an experienced opponent like "Benfica," a one-goal lead is not enough.
Therefore, "Real" will have to prove their strength today even without their star. Source: zamin.uz
