Real Madrid Advances Past Benfica Without Injured Mbappe in Champions League Playoff

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win over Benfica in the Champions League playoff second leg on February 26, 2026, advancing 3-1 on aggregate to the round of 16. Star forward Kylian Mbappe missed the match due to a persistent left knee injury but is expected to return soon. The first leg featured a controversy involving racial abuse allegations against Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni, who received a one-match UEFA ban. Real Madrid also faced other absences, including Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo.