Los Blancos head to Lisbon seeking direct Round of 16 qualification, as José Mourinho’s Benfica fight for a miracle in the Champions League final group stage.
Real Madrid has received a significant defensive boost ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League trip to Lisbon. After a -0 victory over Villarreal, Carlo Ancelotti’s side returned to training this Sunday with a familiar face back in the fold: Antonio Rüdiger.
According to Marca, the German powerhouse has fully recovered from a knee issue that kept him out of the weekend’s La Liga action. Rüdiger trained normally with the group and is expected to lead the defense against Benfica this Wednesday at the Estádio da Luz.
Alexander-Arnold’s Status
While Rüdiger is back, Trent Alexander-Arnold remains a slight doubt for the European clash. The English full-back, who has been sidelined with a muscle injury, participated in only part of the training session.
Reports suggest that while he is traveling with the squad, the medical staff prefers a cautious approach, aiming for his full return against Rayo Vallecano next weekend.
High Stakes in Lisbon: Mourinho vs. Real Madrid
This Matchday 8 fixture is a “must-win” for both sides for very different reasons:
- Real Madrid (15 pts): Currently sitting in 3rd place, a victory against Benfica will guarantee direct qualification for the Round of 16, avoiding the treacherous playoff round.
- Benfica (6 pts): Sitting in 29th place, José Mourinho’s men need a tactical masterclass and a combination of other results to climb into the top 24 and secure a playoff spot.
Champions League – Matchday 8 Highlights (Jan 28)
The final day of the group stage features several heavyweight clashes (all times 20:00 GMT / 17:00 BRT):
- Benfica vs. Real Madrid (The Main Event)
- Napoli vs. Chelsea
- PSG vs. Newcastle
- Dortmund vs. Inter Milan
- PSV vs. Bayern Munich
Wilson Gaspar is a football analyst covering the UEFA Champions League, focusing on match previews, tactical reviews, and the performance of Europe’s top clubs throughout the competition.
