In a crucial UEFA Champions League victory against SL Benfica, Real Madrid CF appeared to suffer a significant blow after their star striker, Kylian Mbappé, was absent due to ongoing knee problems.
Mbappé, who has been the top scorer and a key player for Madrid this season, missed the second-leg playoff match against Benfica due to knee pain that has not fully healed.
Real Madrid coach, Álvaro Arbeloa, confirmed that the decision to leave Mbappé out of the squad was reached in agreement between the player, the technical team, and medical experts, aiming to avoid the risk of aggravating the injury.
Arbeloa stated that it was better to allow the player sufficient rest rather than rush him back onto the field before full recovery.
Mbappé has been playing through knee pain for some time, returning to the pitch despite the injury since December, but the issue now appears more persistent than initially expected.
He is currently required to rest for at least several days, and reports indicate he may miss several club matches, including domestic league games against Getafe CF and RC Celta de Vigo, before a full return.
For Madrid, Mbappé’s absence is a major setback both economically and tactically. He is the team’s top scorer this season, leading the goal charts and contributing significantly to their success in multiple competitions, including the Champions League and domestic league.
His presence on the field has been a constant threat to opponents, making Real Madrid formidable whenever he plays.
However, despite missing Mbappé, Real Madrid emerged with a 2-1 victory over Benfica, advancing to the Champions League Round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate score. The win came through a goal from another star player, Vinícius Junior, confirming that the squad can perform well even without their key star.
