Real Madrid Hit With Major Setbacks Ahead Of Benfica Playoff

‎Real Madrid enter their Champions League playoff against Benfica under intense pressure, with early elimination now a genuine threat.

‎Their 4–2 defeat to José Mourinho’s side on the final league-phase matchday was a major blow to confidence. It also dropped them out of the top eight, forcing them into a playoff scenario, which is almost unimaginable for a club of their stature.

‎For decades, Madridistas have grown accustomed to automatic progress to the knockout rounds.

‎The Champions League’s most successful club has never failed to reach that stage in the modern era. But Alvaro Arbeloa now finds himself on the brink, with his team wounded, vulnerable, and missing key players at the worst possible time.

‎Rodrygo Suspended for Both Benfica Legs

‎Madrid’s situation worsened after Rodrygo received a late red card for dissent at the Estádio da Luz. UEFA has now confirmed a two-match suspension, ruling him out of both legs of the playoff tie.

‎This is a nightmare scenario for Arbeloa. Rodrygo is not only one of Madrid’s main attacking outlets but also a player with proven Champions League pedigree especially after his heroics in the club’s 2023–24 title run.

‎The suspension comes at an already difficult time, with Jude Bellingham sidelined for at least three weeks due to a hamstring injury.

‎Losing both of these attacking threats puts Madrid in a precarious position, with very limited time to adapt.

‎Rodrygo may also miss the La Liga match against Valencia on January 8th.

‎However, Madrid is far more concerned about his absence in the February 25th second leg against Benfica, where his experience and composure would have been crucial.

‎Depth Tested as Arbeloa Searches for Solutions

‎With Rodrygo and Bellingham unavailable, Arbeloa will be forced to turn to younger or less reliable options. Franco Mastantuono is the most likely candidate to step in, but his recent showing in Portugal left much to be desired.

‎The pressure now intensifies on Madrid’s supporting cast. Players who have been on the fringes of the squad must rise to the occasion in one of the most demanding fixtures of their season.

‎This is far from ideal for a team already under scrutiny for inconsistency and a lack of rhythm.

‎Benfica Growing in Confidence Under Mourinho

‎Benfica’s victory over Madrid has given them the belief that they can shock the football world. Mourinho, a master of big-game preparation, thrives in knockout environments.

‎His ability to disrupt bigger teams has already been proven most famously during FC Porto’s run to the 2003–04 Champions League title after knocking out Manchester United.

‎Now, with a disciplined Benfica side playing with confidence and purpose, Madrid face a dangerous opponent guided by one of the most experienced managers in the competition’s history.

‎A Real Risk of Early Eliminations

‎Madrid were second-best for large stretches of their last meeting with Benfica even with Rodrygo and Bellingham on the pitch. Without them, the challenge becomes significantly harder.

‎This playoff tie now represents a defining moment not only for the club’s season, but potentially for Arbeloa’s future. Pressure has been building for weeks amid a turbulent reign, and a Champions League failure at such an early stage would be considered unacceptable for Real Madrid’s hierarchy.

‎A defeat here could force the club’s board to consider yet another managerial change.