MADRID (AP) – With Kylian Mbappé back in the fold, Real Madrid return to Portugal looking to get something back against Jose Mourinho’s Benfica in the Champions League.
Three weeks after Mourinho’s side stunned his former club 4-2 victory The result gave Benfica a spot and denied the Spanish giants an automatic place in the Round of 16, but the teams will meet again at the Stadium of Light in the first round of the knockout stages.
“I hope history doesn’t repeat itself,” Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa said. “We are ready for the difficulty of the game, the opponent, the atmosphere and what awaits us on Tuesday. There are 180 minutes and we have to play a great game there. It is very fresh in our minds, so we know how complicated it will be.”
Benfica scored the goal they needed to qualify. previous header Goalkeeper Anatoly Trubin scored the goal against Madrid, making them 24th and final on goal difference.
The rematch will feature a knockout round and will also include defending champions Paris Saint-Germain versus Monaco, and last year’s runners-up Inter Milan versus Norwegian outsiders Bodø/Glimt.
Mbappé is back
Mbappe, who has already scored 38 goals for Madrid this season, will be available again after missing the Spanish league. Real Sociedad match Due to discomfort in my knee over the weekend.
He has scored nine goals in his last six games with Madrid, including two in the defeat to Benfica.
“He’s doing very well,” Arbeloa said. “Obviously, he’s been battling these minor knee issues for quite some time this season. He’s put in a great effort every time he’s on the field, and we decided not to risk it so he can start Tuesday’s game.”
Lackluster PSG
After drawing 1-1 at home to Newcastle in the final round of the league, PSG fell out of the top eight, which automatically qualify for the last 16, and fell to 11th place.
On Friday, they lost 3-1 against Rennes in the French league, their third loss of the year and sixth loss of the season.
Monaco, who finished 21st in the league, defeated Nantes 3-1 on Friday, having won just one of their last seven games in all competitions.
Backed by Intel
Inter go into Wednesday’s game in Bodø/Glimt with six straight wins, including a last-minute 3-2 win over Juventus on Saturday, and an extended lead in Serie A.
Inter won their first four league games this season, but then lost three in a row, securing 10th place with an away win against Borussia Dortmund.
Bodø/Glimt needed in first Champions League campaign Consecutive come-from-behind victories They will face Manchester City and Atletico Madrid and advance to the knockout stages in 23rd place.
Other matches
In Tuesday’s other first legs, Juventus take on Galatasaray and Dortmund take on Atalanta.
On Wednesday, Newcastle travel to Qarabag, Olympiakos host Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico visit Club Brugge.
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