Depleted Madrid fly to Lisbon without key defensive duo

Real Madrid travel to Portugal with nearly identical squad that faced Villarreal, as Arbeloa continues to navigate injury crisis.

Defensive concerns continue

The Spanish giants are heading to Lisbon for tomorrow’s Champions League clash against Benfica with their squad still looking thinner than Kate Moss on a diet. Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain in Madrid nursing their injuries, though there’s hope both could return for Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Rayo Vallecano at the Bernabéu.

It’s another headache for Álvaro Arbeloa, who’s been forced to get creative with his team selection in recent weeks. The gaffer’s once again called up youth prospects Diego Aguado for defensive cover and Cestero to bolster the midfield options.

Squad changes

There are just two changes from the squad that traveled to Vila-real:

• Tchouaméni returns after serving his suspension at La Cerámica
• Fran González comes in as third goalkeeper, replacing Sergio Mestre

Brahim Díaz retains his place in the Champions League squad after featuring in the previous European matchday selection.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Fran González

Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asencio, Carreras, Fran García, Huijsen, Diego Aguado

Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Tchouaméni, Arda Güler, Ceballos, Cestero

Forwards: Vinicius, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Brahim, Mastantuono

What to expect

With Madrid’s backline still missing key pieces, Arbeloa will need to be tactically spot on against a Benfica side that can cause problems on their home patch. The Portuguese outfit aren’t the force they once were, but as we say in London - they can still be proper handy at home.

The return of Tchouaméni provides some much-needed steel in midfield, which could be crucial to protecting what looks like a makeshift defence. Meanwhile, the front line remains absolutely frightening with Vini, Mbappé and Rodrygo all available to terrorize the Benfica back four.