Arbeloa names almost unchanged squad for Benfica clash

Madrid—Álvaro Arbeloa has unveiled the traveling party that will attempt to take a first-step grip on the Champions League playoff against Benfica, and the list carries more continuity than surprise. Real Madrid departs for Lisbon on the back of a near-identical squad to recent weeks, yet the Portuguese assignment will be tackled without three headline names.

Eder Militão, Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo Goes have all failed to overcome injury in time and will remain in the Spanish capital, leaving Arbeloa to mine depth from the club’s academy pipeline. The most eye-catching inclusion is 17-year-old centre-back Joan Martínez, whose composure for Castilla has fast-tracked him into first-team contention. His presence offers both cover and promise to a back line that must neutralise the expected aerial and tempo threats from the Estádio da Luz.

Further up the pitch, midfield reinforcements arrive in the shape of Thiago Pitarch and Jorge Cestero. Pitarch, lauded for his game vision and tempo management, has orchestrated Castilla’s rhythm all season, while Cestero’s box-to-box power—showcased in a cameo against Real Sociedad—could prove critical in offsetting Bellingham’s drive. Their promotions underline Madrid’s faith in a developmental core that has kept the reserves atop their group.

Despite the absences, the squad still travels as favourite to progress in Europe’s premier tournament, a testament to the seamless blend of senior stalwarts and emergent talent under Arbeloa’s guidance. Kick-off in Lisbon is imminent, and the white shirts will look to return with an advantage to defend at the Bernabéu.