French superstar Kylian Mbappe is poised to return for Real Madrid's Champions League play-off clash at Benfica on Tuesday after resting at the weekend. Mbappe struck twice for Madrid in that match and is the Champions League top marksman with 13 goals. With Mbappe an unused substitute against Real Sociedad on Saturday because of knee discomfort, Vinicius shone as Arbeloa's team ran out comfortable 4-1 winners at the Santiago Bernabeu. As Madrid's key attacker against La Real and operating in plenty of space, Vinicius put his stamp on the game. Madrid's Galactico gamble between 2000-2006 ended badly, with superstars including Luis Figo, David Beckham and Ronaldo winning limited silverware with the club.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 16, 2026 08:42 UTC