Real Madrid lands in Lisbon: the squad to settle the "Top 8" battle against Benfica

The road to European glory in 2026 once again passes through the city of light. Real Madrid has officially touched down in Lisbon for their high-stakes UEFA Champions League encounter against Benfica at the legendary Estádio da Luz. For Álvaro Arbeloa, this isn't just another group-stage fixture; it is a final in everything but name. The objective is singular and uncompromising: secure the three points, bypass the grueling playoff round, and cement a direct ticket to the Round of 16.

Arbeloa’s squad list for this trip offers a sense of continuity during a turbulent stretch of the season. The manager has decided to place his trust in the same core group that secured a victory against Villarreal in La Liga over the weekend. There are no "wildcard" call-ups or unexpected youth inclusions in the first-team dynamic; Arbeloa is sticking to his "Spartan" philosophy of betting on the soldiers he knows he can count on in a hostile environment like Lisbon.

While the squad list remains stable, the "Absentee List" continues to be a headache for the Madrid coaching staff. The defensive line, in particular, remains the team’s Achilles' heel. Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy are still nowhere near a return to competitive action, leaving a void in both the center and the left of the back four.

The real frustration for "Madridistas," however, comes from the "near-misses." Both Antonio Rüdiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold are reportedly in the final stages of their respective recoveries. While they have been seen training individually on the grass at Valdebebas, Arbeloa has prioritized caution over risk. Neither player made the flight to Lisbon, as the medical team prefers to have them at 100% for the upcoming domestic stretch rather than risking a relapse on the heavy Estádio da Luz turf.

The silver lining in this squad announcement is the return of Aurélien Tchouaméni. Having served his suspension during the La Liga clash with Villarreal, the French powerhouse is fully available for European duty. His presence is arguably the most vital tactical boost for Arbeloa. In a game where Benfica is expected to press high and utilize the roar of their home crowd, Tchouaméni’s ability to act as a defensive "metronome" will be the difference between a controlled victory and a chaotic shootout.

Beyond the tactical boards and injury reports, the match holds a deeply personal meaning for Álvaro Carreras. The young defender is set to face the club that served as his professional launching pad. Returning to Lisbon for such a decisive match is a "full-circle" moment for Carreras, and all eyes will be on how he handles the emotional weight of playing against his former teammates with the weight of the Real Madrid badge on his chest.

Real Madrid knows that Lisbon is a city where dreams often go to die if a team isn't prepared for the intensity of the "Eagles." With the margin for error at its absolute minimum, this squad—depleted in defense but reinforced in the engine room—heads into one of their most demanding tests of the year.