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Real Madrid return to the Santiago Bernabeu against Benfica, knowing that nothing about this Champions League tie feels simple.
The Spanish giants hold a narrow advantage, but the story goes beyond the scoreline.
Los Blancos secured a 1-0 victory in Lisbon last week, and it was their Brazilian star who made the difference.
Vinicius Jr. found the net in the second half, giving Madrid a slender edge heading into the decisive second leg.
On paper, it looks like a professional away performance. In reality, it was anything but routine.
The match quickly became overshadowed by controversy. Shortly after breaking the deadlock, Vinicius made serious allegations against Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni.
The Brazilian forward claimed he was racially abused, an accusation that forced the game to be halted for 10 minutes. UEFA opened an investigation, and the issue has continued to dominate headlines ever since.
The fallout has added serious tension to what was already a high-pressure European night.
Head coach Alvaro Arbeloa now faces one crucial question — whether Vinicius is mentally ready to start.
The expectation is that he will feature from the beginning, but the decision will not be taken lightly.
If he does start, he will carry the responsibility of leading Madrid’s attack and closing out the tie.
Defence
Antonio Rudiger will return to the starting XI. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
There is no debate in goal. Thibaut Courtois remains the undisputed number one.
The Belgian goalkeeper continues to be one of the most reliable figures in this Real Madrid side, especially on big European nights.
In central defence, Antonio Rudiger is set to return to the starting line-up. He will partner with Raul Asensio, who faced criticism following the defeat to Osasuna in La Liga.
Arbeloa is expected to trust the pairing to deliver composure and aggression at the back.
On the right flank, Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to get the nod ahead of Dani Carvajal. His presence could offer Madrid more attacking width and crossing ability.
On the left, Alvaro Carreras is expected to start, although he walks a disciplinary tightrope, sitting one booking away from suspension.
Midfield
Valverde will be key to Real Madrid’s push. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
With Alexander-Arnold operating at right-back, Federico Valverde moves back into his preferred midfield role. His energy and work rate will be vital in controlling transitions.
Jude Bellingham remains unavailable, and Dani Ceballos is not in contention either. That leaves a midfield trio that almost picks itself.
Arda Guler, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga are expected to complete the unit.
Together, they provide balance – creativity from Guler, defensive control from Tchouameni, and dynamism from Camavinga.
Attack
The biggest setback for Real Madrid ahead of this tie is the absence of Kylian Mbappe.
Gonzalo Garcia could replace the injured Mbappe. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The French superstar is dealing with a minor injury to the lateral collateral ligament in his knee.
He attempted to test himself in training but could not complete the session. With the World Cup on the horizon, he is unwilling to take unnecessary risks.
That injury reshapes Madrid’s attacking plans. Vinicius remains the obvious starter, assuming he is cleared mentally and physically.
Alongside him, Gonzalo Garcia is expected to step into the other attacking role.
Without Mbappe’s pace and clinical finishing, the responsibility will fall more heavily on Vinicius to deliver once again.
The Bernabeu crowd will back him loudly, especially given the events of the first leg.