Real Madrid's Mbappe to Miss Benfica Return Leg

Kylian Mbappe injured, misses Champions League playoff

Real Madrid's top scorer Kylian Mbappe misses crucial Madrid's Champions League playoff return leg against Benfica due to knee injury, lateral ligament issue.

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's top scorer this season, has been struggling with a lateral ligament issue in his left knee for weeks...

Kylian Mbappe won't be playing in Real Madrid's Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica this Wednesday due to a knee injury. The French forward has been dealing with left knee pain since before Christmas and has been playing through it, but it's become too much.

Mbappe was expected to lead the attack, but his absence is a big blow for Real Madrid, who hold a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lisbon. Coach Alvaro Arbeloa had said Mbappe was “prepared to play” despite the pain, but it was later decided he wouldn't feature.

🚨 Kylian Mbappé could miss Real Madrid vs Benfica game tomorrow, L'Équipe reports.

Kylian feels pain in his left knee and could be out tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/7WRyrOleA8

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 24, 2026

Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid's top scorer this season, has been struggling with a lateral ligament issue in his left knee for weeks. Despite playing through the pain, he's been forced to withdraw from Wednesday's Champions League return leg against Benfica, confirming reports from L'Equipe.

Mbappe leads the Champions League scoring charts with 13 goals and has been instrumental in Real Madrid's campaign. His absence is a significant blow, especially with the team holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg in Lisbon.