Alvaro Arbeloa believes Real Madrid's Champions League play-off second leg against Benfica "is a final" as they face off for a last 16 spot.

Los Blancos won the first leg in Portugal 1-0 courtesy of a brilliant strike from Vinicius Junior, though the goal was marred after alleged racism against the Brazilian by Gianluca Prestianni, who is suspended for Wednesday's match at the Estadio Bernabeu.

Madrid and Benfica will meet in the Champions League for a third consecutive game (MD8 of the group phase, first/second leg of the play-offs). It is the first fixture in Champions League history to be played three times in a row in the same season.

Madrid have progressed from 22 of their last 23 Champions League knockout ties when they have won the first leg – the exception in this run was against Ajax in the last 16 in 2018-19 (2-1 first leg, 1-4 second leg).

Arbeloa expects a "special" atmosphere in the Spanish capital, with a lot on the line for the record 15-time winners of the competition.

"There's a lot of excitement," said Arbeloa in his pre-match press conference.

"A lot of anticipation for a great Champions League night at the Bernabeu, because we know the atmosphere that's already there and will continue to be there. We have a lot at stake.

"People often say 'this is a final,' and it's going to be one. Whoever wins will advance. All our passion and energy.

"It will be a very special match, a great Champions League night at the Bernabeu, knowing the importance of the fans in these kinds of games. And with our sights set on advancing and winning."

Kylian Mbappe has been involved in 14 goals in the Champions League this season (13 goals, one assist), the most by a Real Madrid player in a season since Karim Benzema in 2021-22 (15 goals, two assists).

He now has 25 assists in the competition overall, level with Thierry Henry and behind only Benzema (27) and Zinedine Zidane (26) among French players.

Despite fears around his fitness, Arbeloa revealed that Mbappe is ready for action.

"[Mbappe is] ready to play tomorrow, which is the most important thing right now," added Arbeloa.

"It's been several weeks... everyone knows that, but I want to emphasise his effort and commitment. He tries to help us on the pitch.

"He's a gamechanger, and the defenders know that he can decide a match with any action. He's ready for tomorrow, and I'm sure he'll have a great game."