Is Kylian Mbappé Playing Today? Injury Rule-Out Confirmed for Real Madrid vs Benfica
Joe Cervenka
Host · Writer
Kylian Mbappé has been officially ruled OUT for Real Madrid’s critical Champions League second-leg playoff against Benfica today, February 25, 2026. Despite early optimism from manager Alvaro Arbeloa, the French superstar suffered a significant setback in training, forcing the medical staff to withdraw him from the squad.
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Kylian Mbappé Injury Update: Why He Is Missing Today
The decision to bench the Champions League’s top scorer came late Tuesday after his condition deteriorated during a final training session at Valdebebas.
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Injury Specifics: Mbappé is dealing with damage to the outer ligament of his left knee, a persistent issue that has plagued him since early December 2025.
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Training Setback: While he attempted to train on Tuesday, he reportedly felt “too persistent" pain to continue, leading to his removal from the matchday list.
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Medical Risk: Doctors estimate Mbappé is currently operating at only 60% capacity. To avoid a long-term rupture that could end his season—and potentially threaten his availability for the 2026 World Cup—the club is opting for a conservative 10-day rest period.
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Future Availability: Beyond tonight, he is expected to miss upcoming La Liga fixtures against Getafe and Celta Vigo.
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Real Madrid’s Plan Without Mbappé
The timing is brutal for Alvaro Arbeloa, who faces a massive selection dilemma at the Santiago Bernabéu. Real Madrid holds a narrow 1-0 aggregate lead, but they must defend it without several key pillars.
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DEPLETED ATTACK: With Mbappé out and Rodrygo serving a suspension, the goal-scoring burden falls squarely on Vinícius Júnior.
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YOUTH REPLACEMENTS: Talented youngsters Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono have been included in the forward list to fill the void.
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MISSING STARS: Along with Mbappé, Madrid is without Jude Bellingham (hamstring), Éder Militão (ACL), and Dani Ceballos (calf).
Where to Watch Real Madrid vs. Benfica
- Arena: Santiago Bernabéu
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Location: Madrid, Spain
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Where to Watch: Paramount+
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Date: Wednesday, February 25th
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Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
Real Madrid vs. Benfica Game Odds
| Market | Selection | Odds |
| Moneyline | Real Madrid (RMA) | -155 |
| Moneyline | Benfica (SLB) | +370 |
| Moneyline | Draw | +340 |
| Total Goals | Over 3.5 (o3.5) | +156 |
| Total Goals | Under 3.5 (u3.5) | -194 |
| Spread | RMA -1.5 | +115 |
| Spread | SLB +1.5 | -155 |
Real Madrid vs. Benfica Kalshi Prediction Market Odds
| Selection | Probability |
| Real Madrid to Win | 59% |
| Tie | 22% |
| Benfica to Win | 21% |
| Real Madrid wins by over 1.5 goals | 33% |
| Over 2.5 goals scored | 59% |
| Market Volume | $915,631 |
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