Real Madrid to Face Benfica Without Kylian Mbappe in Champions League Second Leg

Real Madrid will face Benfica in the Champions League second-leg playoff on February 26, 2026, holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg. However, Real Madrid will be without key forward Kylian Mbappe due to a persistent knee injury, limiting their attacking options. The first leg was marked by controversy after Vinicius Junior accused Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni of racial abuse, leading to Prestianni's provisional one-match ban. Additional absences include Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo, affecting Madrid's lineup for the crucial match.