Real Madrid rocked in Benfica defeat as Mbappé fires warning
Real Madrid will be without Rodrygo and Raúl Asencio for the playoff first leg after late reds in the 4-2 loss at Benfica.
Madrid track RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande for 2026 if Vinicius or Rodrygo depart. Juni Calafat leads scouting; fee expected to exceed €100m. Arsenal and Bayern also keen.
Unai Emery is touted as Real Madrid’s top summer candidate if Arbeloa goes, with initial talks reported. Copa del Rey exit to Albacete and 4-2 Benfica loss fuel doubts.
Madrid have reportedly bid €100m for Tottenham centre-back Cristian Romero as Perez seeks defensive reinforcements after the 4-2 Benfica defeat; Spurs sale mid-season unlikely.
Liverpool and Arsenal eye Eduardo Camavinga, but Madrid say “not for any price.” Reds interest deemed serious; versatility praised, yet a sale would take “crazy money.”
Despite Benfica defeat, Mbappé’s brace takes him to 13 UCL goals in 7 games, eyeing Ronaldo’s 17-goal record. He could add more via the new league phase and playoff ties.
Mbappé slams Real Madrid’s inconsistency after Benfica 4-2, calling the goalkeeper’s winner “embarrassing”. Urges Bernabéu support and says the team must fix continuity and details.
Mbappé brace not enough as Real Madrid lose 4-2 at Benfica; Trubin heads late fourth. Los Blancos finish ninth, into playoffs, ending with nine men after Asencio and Rodrygo reds.
Report claims Jurgen Klopp, linked with the Madrid job, phoned Erling Haaland about a summer move, envisaging Mbappe left and Haaland central; Man City could demand €500m.
Before Rayo, Real Madrid sweat on Antonio Rudiger (knee, major doubt). Eder Militao (hamstring), Ferland Mendy (calf) and Trent Alexander-Arnold (thigh) are out. No suspensions.
Real Madrid will learn playoff foe on Jan 30: Benfica or Bodo/Glimt. First leg away on 17/18 Feb, return 24/25 Feb. Los Blancos slipped to ninth after 4-2 Benfica defeat.
After the 4-2 Benfica collapse, Florentino Perez will address the squad, demand a reaction and back Alvaro Arbeloa. Bernabeu fans voiced “resign” chants as pressure and tension rise.
Arbeloa takes blame for 4-2 Benfica loss, defends Mbappé and Vinicius, cites lack of consistency and intensity. Says reds, tactics influenced changes; vows to advance via playoffs.
