Mbappe and Vinícius Lead Real Madrid in Benfica Clash: Official Lineups Revealed

Lineups and Stakes

Real Madrid are on the brink of direct qualification for the knockout rounds as they host Benfica in tonight's Champions League clash.

Alvaro Arbeloa announced the starting XI for Real Madrid, with Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Júnior leading the attack and Thibaut Courtois in goal.

Madrid carry 15 points, while Benfica have 6 points, making this match pivotal to secure direct progression to the last 16 without a playoff.

The Real Madrid lineup featured: Goalkeeper — Thibaut Courtois. Defense — Valverde, Raúl Asensio, Die Huyssen, Álvaro Carriero (names transliterated from the source). Midfield — Arda Güler, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham. Attack — Franco Mastantuno, Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior.

For Benfica, head coach José Mourinho named: Trobin, Orsens, Sudakov, Pavlidis, Didich, Bariero, Schildderup, Prestiani, Dal, Otamendi and Tomás Araújo. Notably, Otamendi is set to reach his 100th Champions League appearance in tonight's game.

In tonight's lineup, Mbappé and Vinícius Jr were entrusted with leading the charge, while Courtois guards the net and a compact midfield aims to unlock Benfica's defense.

Benfica’s starting XI, announced by Mourinho, features a mix of veterans and rising stars, with Otamendi reaching a historic CL milestone as part of the night’s narrative. As the whistle approaches, fans anticipate a tightly contested battle with moments of individual brilliance from Madrid’s front line.

Punchline time: If this lineup were a sniper rifle, Madrid just loaded precision—aiming for the back of the net. Punchline two: Benfica’s defense better practice their camo—Madrid’s attackers aren’t hiding, they’re on the prowl for the killer strike.