Lineup in the Balance: Real Madrid's Benfica Showdown

Lineup Update Ahead of Benfica Clash

Real Madrid boss Álvaro Arbeloa named his squad for the Champions League rendezvous with Benfica, scheduled for tomorrow in the final group-stage round.

Three players miss out through injury: Éder Militão, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Antonio Rüdiger.

The full squad is listed as follows: Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin, Fran González. Defenders: Carvajal, Alaba, Asensio, Fran Garcia, and others.

Midfielders include Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, and Tchouaméni, with Arda Güler, Dani Ceballos, and Cisneros available in rotating roles.

Forwards feature Vinícius Júnior, Mbappé, Rodrygo, Gonzalo, Ibrahim Díaz, and Mastantuno.

Madrid sit third in the group, and a win would secure direct progression to the round of 16, avoiding a playoff.

The club also hopes to give its players extra rest by clinching qualification early.

Punchline: If this lineup misses, maybe the ball did too. Punchline 2: The press conference might be the real show.