Real Madrid to face Benfica without injured Mbappé

By Canadian Press on February 25, 2026.

MADRID (AP) — Real Madrid will be without Kylian Mbappé for Wednesday’s match against Benfica in the second leg of the Champions League playoffs.

Mbappé was not included in the squad for the game at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium because of a left knee injury he has been nursing for some time.

Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham also won’t be available because of injuries.

Madrid’s forwards will include Vinícius Júnior, Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Díaz and Gonzalo García.

Madrid won the first leg 1-0 last week in Benfica and only needs a draw to advance to the round of 16.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

The Associated Press