Real Madrid secured a 4-1 victory against Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabeu, briefly reclaiming the top spot in La Liga.
The win was particularly noteworthy as Real Madrid achieved it without their star striker, Kylian Mbappe, who remained on the bench due to fitness concerns related to a recent injury. While some expected him to appear as a substitute, coach Arbeloa chose not to play him, given Real Madrid’s comfortable lead.
Mbappe’s absence from the match against Real Sociedad raised concerns about his availability for the crucial upcoming game against Benfica.
However, Coach Arbeloa addressed these concerns in the post-match press conference, assuring fans that Mbappe is expected to be fit for the Benfica match.
He explained, “Mbappe has been managing this discomfort for a while. He consistently gives his best on the field, and today, we decided it was best not to risk him ahead of Tuesday’s game. I am optimistic that he will be ready to play.”
This news is a significant boost for Real Madrid, especially considering their previous encounter with Benfica in the league phase, where they suffered a 4-2 defeat.
Given the importance of the two-legged match against Benfica, Real Madrid is eager to avoid a similar outcome.
Mbappe’s potential return is crucial, as he has been a standout performer for the team this season, scoring an impressive 38 goals across all competitions. His presence on the field is expected to significantly strengthen Real Madrid’s attack and improve their chances of success in the upcoming game.
The team and fans alike are hopeful that Mbappe will be in top form and ready to contribute to a positive result against Benfica. The match is highly anticipated, and Mbappe’s participation is seen as a key factor in Real Madrid’s pursuit of victory.


