Actual Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu towards Benfica, realizing that nothing about this Champions League tie feels easy.
The Spanish giants maintain a slim benefit, however the story goes past the scoreline.
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Los Blancos secured a 1-0 victory in Lisbon final week, and it was their Brazilian star who made the distinction.
Vinicius Jr. discovered the online within the second half, giving Madrid a slender edge heading into the decisive second leg.
On paper, it seems like knowledgeable away efficiency. In actuality, it was something however routine.
The match rapidly turned overshadowed by controversy. Shortly after breaking the impasse, Vinicius made severe allegations towards Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
The Brazilian ahead claimed , an accusation that pressured the sport to be halted for 10 minutes. UEFA opened an investigation, and the difficulty has continued to dominate headlines ever since.
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The fallout has added severe stress to what was already a high-pressure European night time.
Head coach one essential query — whether or not Vinicius is mentally prepared to start out.
The expectation is that he’ll characteristic from the start, however the choice is not going to be taken frivolously.
If he does begin, he’ll carry the accountability of main Madrid’s assault and shutting out the tie.
Defence
Antonio Rudiger will return to the beginning XI. (Photograph by Denis Doyle/Getty Photos)
There isn’t a debate in aim. Thibaut Courtois stays the undisputed primary.
The Belgian goalkeeper continues to be some of the dependable figures on this Actual Madrid facet, particularly on large European nights.
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In central defence, Antonio Rudiger is ready to return to the beginning line-up. He’ll accomplice with Raul Asensio, who confronted criticism following the defeat to Osasuna in La Liga.
Arbeloa is predicted to belief the pairing to ship composure and aggression on the again.
On the correct flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold is prone to get the nod forward of Dani Carvajal. His presence may provide Madrid extra attacking width and crossing potential.
On the left, Alvaro Carreras is predicted to start out, though he , sitting one reserving away from suspension.
Midfield
Valverde can be key to Actual Madrid’s push. (Photograph by Angel Martinez/Getty Photos)
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With Alexander-Arnold working at right-back, Federico Valverde strikes again into his most well-liked midfield function. His vitality and work charge can be very important in controlling transitions.
Jude Bellingham stays unavailable, and Dani Ceballos shouldn’t be in competition both. That leaves a midfield trio that nearly picks itself.
Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga are anticipated to finish the unit.
Collectively, they supply steadiness – creativity from Guler, defensive management from Tchouameni, and dynamism from Camavinga.
Assault
The most important setback for Actual Madrid forward of this tie is the .
Gonzalo Garcia may exchange the injured Mbappe. (Photograph by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Photos)
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The French famous person is coping with a minor harm to the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.
He tried to check himself in coaching however couldn’t full the session. With the World Cup on the horizon, he’s unwilling to take pointless dangers.
That harm reshapes Madrid’s attacking plans. Vinicius stays the apparent starter, assuming he’s cleared mentally and bodily.
Alongside him, Gonzalo Garcia is predicted to step into the opposite attacking function.
With out Mbappe’s tempo and medical ending, the accountability will fall extra closely on Vinicius to ship as soon as once more.
The Bernabeu crowd will again him loudly, particularly given the occasions of the primary leg.