Real Madrid take on Benfica at the Estádio da Luz in the final game of the league phase of the Champions League. A win is vital for both teams, as the Portuguese side will be eliminated from the competition if they don't earn three points. Los Blancos know anything but a win puts them at risk of missing out on the top eight.
After the impressive win over Villarreal in La Liga this past weekend, the question was whether head coach Álvaro Arbeloa would make any changes to that side.
Midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni missed the weekend's game due to suspension, with Eduardo Camavinga stepping in. The latter does make way for his international teammate.
Aurélien Tchouaméni
IMAGO / ABACAPRESS
In the last Champions League game against Monaco, Camavinga played at left-back, covering for another suspension in Alvaro Carreras. The Spanish defender is also back in the team, having been part of the win over Villarreal.
Rodrygo has been back for a few games, but young Franco Mastantuono continues to play, with Arbeloa a big fan of the 18-year-old. Kylian Mbappe will be looking to add more goals, sitting on 11 and aiming to break more records.
Real Madrid starting lineup vs Benfica:
Real Madrid
IMAGO / PsnewZ
1. Courtois
8. Valverde
17. Asencio
24. Huijsen
18. Carreras
14. Tchouaméni
5. Bellingham
15. Guler
30. Mastantuono
10. Mbappe
7. Vini Jr.
📋✅ Our starting XI!
🆚 @slbenfica_en pic.twitter.com/AUWVrZmjJb
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 28, 2026
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