Kylian Mbappe has been left out of Real Madrid's lineup for the crucial Champions League knockout match against Benfica due to an ongoing knee injury. This absence will mark a significant challenge for the team, as Mbappe has been a key player, leading the team's scoring charts with 38 goals this season, including 13 in the Champions League. His previous injuries have caused him to miss several matches this season, raising concerns about his fitness and availability for upcoming games.

Real Madrid, having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg of the clash, will now rely heavily on other players such as Vinicius Junior, Gonzalo Garcia, Ibrahim Diaz, and the young Franco Mastantuono, to fill the void left by the star forward. The weight of expectation now falls on these players to maintain momentum in the tournament against a resilient Benfica side, which presents a formidable challenge in the knockout stage of the competition.

The situation adds an additional layer of complexity for Real Madrid as they navigate through a season impacted by various injuries. With Mbappe's scoring prowess unavailable, the team must adapt quickly to ensure they progress in the competition. This injury not only affects the match against Benfica but could also have implications on the team's overall performance and strategy in the Champions League moving forward.