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Benfica Vs. Real Madrid Match Thread and Preview: Kaká Makes the Cut, Sahin Out Again

By Lucas Navarrete
Getty Images

Real Madrid plays its second preseason game at Lisbon against Benfica (20:00 CET). Mourinho surprised Real Madrid fans once again by placing Kaká on the list and leaving out Nuri Sahin once again. Last time, the club said Sahin was ill, but today no reason has been given for his absence.

Former Benfica defender Fábio Coentrao comes back from his vacation sooner than expected just to play against the Portuguese team. Karim Benzema, who returned to practice this past Monday, will also be avalaible for José Mourinho.

This is the last preseason game Real Madrid will play in Europe, as the team starts its preseason stage in the United States this weekend. Whether Sahin and Kaká travel is still unknown. If Kaká is really going to leave Real Madrid, his presence in tonight's match is strange. Even though it is a friendly game, the Brazilian player could still get injured (see FC Barcelona's Muniesa against Hamburg) and break every chance of him being traded elsewhere.

According to Spanish tabloid 'As', Sahin is expected to go on loan and play for Arsenal this next season. If he is going to play there, this might be a good move for him.

This game could be a chance to see how Real Madrid's most important players are. Benfica is definitely a better team than Oviedo and should make things a bit more complicated for José Mourinho's players.

Follow the game on facebook and twitter @managingmadrid.

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