Arda Güler starts as Real Madrid host Benfica in charged Champions League rematch
Real Madrid name arda güler in their starting XI for the Champions League play-off return that carries fresh tension after a first leg marred by allegations of racial abuse. The match doubles as a personal milestone for arda güler, who will make his 100th appearance in the club's shirt, and unfolds with an absent Benfica player who was provisionally suspended.
Arda Güler named in Real Madrid XI for high-tension rematch
Real Madrid's selected lineup for the Santiago Bernabéu fixture lists Arda Güler among the starters, joining a front-line that includes Vinicius and Gonzalo. The squad announced for the match reads: Courtois, Trent, Rüdiger, Asencio, Carreras, Tchouaméni, Fede Valverde, Camavinga, Arda Güler, Vinicius, Gonzalo. The selection underlines the club's choice to field the same attacking balance that featured in the opening leg.
For arda güler the night has added significance as his 100th match in the club shirt. That milestone gives the selection extra weight for the player and for supporters watching a fixture that has taken on heightened emotional and ethical dimensions since the first encounter.
Prestianni suspension and UEFA decision impact match availability
Benfica will be without Gianluca Prestianni after UEFA enforced a provisional one-match ban tied to allegations that arose in the first leg. Benfica's request to overturn that temporary sanction was refused, meaning Prestianni will not be available for the return match at the Bernabéu.
The suspension stems from accusations made following an incident in the earlier meeting; the disciplinary measure removes the player from the squad list for the rematch and shapes the confrontation between the clubs by removing a contested presence from Benfica's selection.
Benfica lineup, Rafa Silva start and broader fallout
Benfica's lineup for the rematch features Rafa Silva in the starting eleven alongside Aursnes and Pavlidis. The selected team is listed as: Trubin, Dedic, Otamendi, Tomás Araújo, Dahl, Richard Ríos, Barreiro; Rafa Silva, Aursnes, Schjelderup, Pavlidis. Rafa Silva's inclusion ensures Benfica retain attacking options even without Prestianni in the matchday squad.
Beyond the selections on the pitch, the encounter has prompted reactions off it. One former Real Madrid teammate has publicly urged Vinicius Junior to consider a return to his former club in Brazil, offering full support after the events in the first match. That player described the situation as very sad and has actively campaigned for a transfer that would reunite the pair at Flamengo, while club leadership is said to be entertaining the idea as a longer-term objective.
What to watch and what comes next
- Player milestones: Arda Güler reaches 100 appearances in a fixture that now carries symbolic weight beyond the result.
- Squad changes: Prestianni's provisional suspension is a direct competitive consequence of the first-leg incident and has altered Benfica's available attacking options.
- Wider repercussions: Calls from former teammates and transfer talk add a strategic layer to the on-field contest, as club decision-makers weigh reputational and sporting considerations.
The rematch at the Santiago Bernabéu proceeds under a spotlight that mixes competitive stakes with ongoing controversy. Details may continue to evolve as disciplinary and club-level discussions progress; for now, the teams prepare to settle the tie on the pitch with Arda Güler among those entrusted to influence the outcome.
