UCL: Brahim Diaz to start for Real Madrid against Benfica with Mbappe out with injury

Moroccan star Brahim Diaz has been named among the leading figures in Real Madrid’s squad for their decisive UEFA Champions League second-leg playoff tie against SL Benfica.

The squad list for the crucial encounter was revealed on Wednesday, with Diaz emerging as a key presence in the absence of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who was not included in the matchday squad.

The Moroccan international is expected to shoulder greater responsibility as Madrid aim to secure progression to the quarter finals.

Also named in the squad is Thiago Petrach, a player of Moroccan heritage, further highlighting the North African representation within the group.

Madrid head into the return leg holding a narrow advantage after claiming a 1-0 victory in the first meeting in Lisbon.

The decisive goal at the Estadio da Luz was scored by Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior, giving the Spanish giants a slender but valuable edge ahead of the showdown.

With qualification hanging in the balance, all eyes will now be on Diaz and his teammates as they look to finish the job and book their place in the next round of Europe’s elite competition.