Mbappe Ruled Out of Real Madrid vs. Benfica Champions League Clash

The French star picked up a knee injury in training, dealing a blow to Real Madrid's hopes of advancing in the Champions League.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Kylian Mbappe is expected to miss Real Madrid's second leg Champions League playoff match against Benfica on Wednesday due to a lingering knee injury. Mbappe left Madrid's training session on Tuesday with the issue and subsequent tests revealed it would be "impossible" for him to feature against the Portuguese side. Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa had previously claimed Mbappe would be fit to play, but now faces a potential lineup change for the crucial match.

Why it matters

Mbappe's absence is a significant setback for Real Madrid, as the French forward is a game-changing talent who can decide matches with his skill and speed. Real Madrid hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg, but will now have to try to protect that advantage without their star striker. The injury also raises questions about Mbappe's long-term fitness and availability for the remainder of the season.

The details

Mbappe left Madrid's training session on Tuesday complaining of persistent pain in his left knee. After undergoing tests, it was determined that he would be unable to play against Benfica. Real Madrid manager Alvaro Arbeloa had previously stated that Mbappe would be fit to feature, but now faces having to adjust his lineup and tactics for the crucial second leg match.

  • Mbappe left Madrid's training session on Tuesday with a knee injury.
  • Mbappe underwent tests on Tuesday afternoon, which revealed he would be "impossible" to play against Benfica.

The players

Kylian Mbappe

A French professional footballer who plays as a forward for Real Madrid.

Alvaro Arbeloa

The manager of Real Madrid and a former Spanish professional footballer.

Benfica

A Portuguese professional football club based in Lisbon.

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What they’re saying

“Kylian is ready to play tomorrow, which... at this point, that's the most important thing. Of course, he's been here for several weeks and... and everyone knows that, well... above all, and what I wanted to emphasize is the commitment he's showing. With his team-mates, with his team, with his coach, with the club, with his fans. I think it's very important to highlight the huge effort Kylian is making that he's trying to help us on the field.”

— Alvaro Arbeloa, Real Madrid Manager

“With everything that has happened, there are many things that haven't been done well. I think that racism, homophobia - all of these things - we simply cannot accept them and the insult is equally serious. Vini didn't do anything wrong. He celebrated the way many opponents have celebrated against us too. In the end we need to move on and leave it at that. We can't justify an alleged act of racism with a celebration.”

— Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid Goalkeeper

What’s next

The second leg of the Champions League playoff between Real Madrid and Benfica will take place on Wednesday, February 26th at 3:00 PM ET at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid.

The takeaway

Mbappe's injury is a major blow to Real Madrid's hopes of advancing in the Champions League, as the French star is a key part of their attack. The team will now have to find a way to overcome Benfica without their star striker, raising questions about their ability to progress in the competition.