Everything is set in Madrid for another show – but without Mourinho and Mbappe on the scene

The Santiago Bernabeu is set to host a fiery rematch as Real Madrid welcome Benfica for the decisive second leg of their play-off tie, following a stormy encounter in Lisbon last week.

Los Blancos carry a slim 1-0 advantage into the return fixture, courtesy of Vinicius Junior’s strike just after the interval in the first leg.

That game, however, was marred by controversy, with Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni accused of racially abusing the Brazilian winger. The player will sit out the second leg while authorities complete a full investigation into the incident.

From a footballing perspective, Real Madrid will be confident of seeing the tie through. The record 15-time European champions have advanced from 22 of their last 23 knockout ties when winning the opening leg.

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Benfica’s recent history in Europe paints a far less optimistic picture. They have progressed only once from their last eight knockout ties after losing the first leg at home.

Arbeloa’s men will also be eager to bounce back from a 2-1 loss to Osasuna over the weekend, a setback that cost them the top spot in La Liga to Barcelona. Still, the Bernabeu has been a fortress lately, with six consecutive home wins and 21 goals scored in that stretch.

Benfica, led by Jose Mourinho, face an uphill battle. The veteran coach is currently on a nine-match winless run in Champions League knockout fixtures—the longest drought ever recorded by a manager in the competition.

However, what is perhaps the main talking point ahead of the return leg is Kylian Mbappe’s injury. On Tuesday, just a day before the second leg against Benfica at the Santiago Bernabeu, Mbappe was forced to cut his training session short.

According to respected French outlet L’Equipe, the reason was recurring pain in his left knee. Although Mbappe started the session with the squad, the pain became too intense, a clear sign that the injury that had troubled him earlier has not fully healed.

Mbappe already missed the match against Betis, and pushing himself in this condition could worsen the problem, especially at a time when he is the team’s undisputed leader. His numbers are unreal: 38 goals in all competitions. In the Champions League alone, he has 13 goals in 8 games.

He is the main source of goals, although it is an interesting observation that the team sometimes looks more fluid and connected when he is not on the pitch, as the play does not revolve entirely around one man.

Real’s medical staff are now considering a more drastic measure: ten days of complete rest. The goal is for his knee to fully recover so he can be ready for the end of the season and the upcoming World Cup. Since he will not play against Benfica, Real lose their biggest threat, and the first-leg advantage is minimal. This only adds extra spice to what is already a heated tie.

Coach Jose Mourinho has decided to exercise his right not to speak to the media before or after the Champions League second-leg match between Benfica and Real Madrid, according to British media reports.

He is refusing to address the media ahead of the clash with his former club, and he will also be unable to lead the “Eagles” from the sidelines after receiving a red card in the first leg.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE - PLAYOFFS

Return leg

Tuesday

Atletico Madrid - Club Brugge 4-1 (1-1)

/Sorloth 23, 76, 87, Cardoso 48 - Ordonez 36/

Atletico Madrid win 7-4 on aggregate

Inter Milan - Bodo/Glimt 1-2 (0-0)

/Bastoni 77 - Hauge 58, Evjen 72/

Bodo/Glimt win 5-2 on aggregate

Bayer Leverkusen - Olympiacos 0-0

Bayer Leverkusen win 2-0 on aggregate

Newcastle - Qarabag 3-2 (2-0)

/Tonali 4, Joelinton 6, Botman 52 - Duran 51, Jafarguliyev 57/

Newcastle win 9-3 on aggregate

Wednesday

20.45: (2.15) Atalanta (3.50) Dortmund (3.60)

22.00: (1.53) Juventus (4.80) Galatasaray (5.95)

23.00: (1.25) PSG (6.50) Monaco (10.0)

23.00: (1.45) Real Madrid (4.50) Benfica (7.00)

***odds are subject to change***