Home SPORTS UCL FOOTBALL UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE Can Mbappe and Vinicius Take on Benfica?

Can Mbappe and Vinicius Take on Benfica?

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Kylian Mbappe
Will Real Madrid's attacking duo lead the team to victory against Benfica

Real Madrid's star duo face off against Benfica in the Champions League playoff, but can they overcome defensive concerns?


“(Mbappe) is doing very well. Obviously, he has been dealing with these minor issues for quite some time this season...”


Kylian Mbappe is set to return for Real Madrid's Champions League playoff against Benfica on Tuesday, having rested over the weekend. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa is optimistic about Mbappe's availability, but there's concern about the team's balance with Mbappe and Vinicius Junior playing together.


The duo's attacking chemistry is undeniable, but their defensive limitations might expose Real Madrid's weaknesses. With Jude Bellingham injured, the team will rely heavily on Mbappe and Vinicius to lead the attack. Arbeloa's strategy of keeping his star players happy seems to be working, with Vinicius' form improving since his arrival.


Benfica, led by Jose Mourinho, will be looking to upset Real Madrid, seeking revenge for their 4-2 loss in the league phase. Mourinho described Real Madrid as a “wounded king” and warned that they will be dangerous opponents.


Jude Bellingham's injury is a significant blow to Real Madrid as they face Benfica in the Champions League playoff. The England international suffered a hamstring injury during their match against Rayo Vallecano and is expected to be out for around a month, missing the crucial tie against Benfica.


Benfica, led by Jose Mourinho, will be looking to capitalize on Real Madrid's weakened state, especially after their 4-2 win in the league phase earlier this month. Mourinho has warned his team that Real Madrid will be “dangerous” opponents, despite their recent setback.


Kylian Mbappe was on fire in Real Madrid's 4-2 loss to Benfica, scoring twice, taking his Champions League tally to 13 goals - tops in the competition. Despite Mbappe's heroics, Madrid struggled to contain Benfica, who snatched a late win thanks to Anatoliy Trubin's 98th-minute header.


Benfica's victory secured their playoff spot and set up a rematch against Real Madrid. Coach Jose Mourinho will be confident heading into the tie, having outplayed Madrid in their previous encounter. 


Kylian Mbappe was an unused substitute against Real Sociedad on Saturday due to knee discomfort, but Vinicius Junior stole the show as Real Madrid secured a comfortable 4-1 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. The Brazilian winger won and converted two penalties, showcasing one of his best performances this season.




Vinicius' standout display helped Real Madrid move provisionally to the top of La Liga, two points clear of Barcelona. He scored his penalties with precision, taking his tally to 10 goals in 34 games this season. Federico Valverde and Gonzalo Garcia also contributed to the win, scoring one goal each.


Would you like to know more about Vinicius' performance or Real Madrid's chances in the Champions League playoff against Benfica?
The big question is whether Real Madrid can replicate their winning formula with both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in the team, especially against top teams like Benfica. With Mbappe returning from a knee injury, coach Alvaro Arbeloa is optimistic about his availability, and Vinicius has been in great form, scoring two penalties in their 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.




However, their defensive limitations could be a concern, as neither Mbappe nor Vinicius is known for pressing or defensive duties, which might put pressure on the rest of the team. Benfica, led by Jose Mourinho, will be looking to exploit these weaknesses, and their 4-2 win over Real Madrid in the league phase has given them confidence.


“Since I've arrived, he's had games at a really high level... he's a player who goes beyond the statistics, how he can change a game, condition opponents, the number of players he can attract,” enthused Arbeloa.


“He is one of the best in the world, and it is a privilege to coach him.”




Vinicius Junior was in top form against Real Sociedad, scoring two penalties and leading the attack with ease, but now he'll have to share the spotlight with Kylian Mbappe at Benfica's Estadio da Luz. Mbappe, who scored twice in Madrid's 4-2 loss to Benfica in January, is expected to return to the lineup after resting over the weekend due to knee discomfort.


Coach Alvaro Arbeloa is optimistic about Mbappe's availability, but there's concern about the team's balance with Mbappe and Vinicius playing together, especially with Jude Bellingham injured. The duo's attacking chemistry is undeniable, but their defensive limitations might expose Real Madrid's weaknesses.


“(Mbappe) is doing very well. Obviously, he has been dealing with these minor issues for quite some time this season,” said Arbeloa.


“He is making a great effort every time he steps onto the field, and we have decided not to take risks so that he will be ready to start the match on Tuesday. That will be the case.”



Arbeloa's Star-Powered Approach

Alvaro Arbeloa is prioritizing his star players, a shift from Xabi Alonso's rotation policy, and it's yielding results. By keeping Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior happy, Arbeloa's strategy mirrors Carlo Ancelotti's successful approach, focusing on maximizing his top talents. 


The Galactico Risk

Real Madrid's star-studded lineup can be a double-edged sword, as seen in the past with the Galactico era (2000-2006). Despite having top players like Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham, they can struggle against well-prepared opponents, a challenge even Carlo Ancelotti couldn't fully solve. 


Mbappe and Vinicius seem to have found their groove, enjoying playing together and improving their chemistry since Mbappe's arrival. However, their defensive limitations can put pressure on the rest of the team, as neither is keen on pressing or tracking back.


Fede Valverde praised the team's grit after their win over Real Sociedad, but the challenge will be greater against Benfica, who'll look to exploit Real Madrid's defensive vulnerabilities. 


“Everyone worked hard... you could tell that we were defending as a team during the whole game,” said Valverde.


The big question is whether Real Madrid can replicate their winning formula with both Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in the team, especially against top teams like Benfica. With Mbappe returning from a knee injury, coach Alvaro Arbeloa is optimistic about his availability, and Vinicius has been in great form, scoring two penalties in their 4-1 win over Real Sociedad.






However, their defensive limitations could be a concern, as neither Mbappe nor Vinicius is known for pressing or defensive duties, which might put pressure on the rest of the team. Benfica, led by Jose Mourinho, will be looking to exploit these weaknesses, and their 4-2 win over Real Madrid in the league phase has given them confidence.




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