# Benfica vs Real Madrid Preview: UCL History Rewritten After 60 Years

URL: https://technosports.co.in/benfica-vs-real-madrid-preview-ucl-history/  
Published: 2026-01-29  
Updated: 2026-01-29  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

European football history is set for a rare reboot as **Benfica host [Real](https://www.instagram.com/realmadrid/)Madrid** in the **finale of the UEFA Champions League league phase**, marking the **first meeting between the two giants since 1965**. With contrasting form, pressure points, and knockout hopes on the line, this Lisbon showdown promises drama under the lights at **Estádio da Luz**.

## **Benfica vs Real Madrid: Match Details**

| Fixture | Benfica vs Real Madrid |
| --- | --- |
| Competition | UEFA Champions League 2025–26 |
| Date | Wednesday, January 28, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 8:00 PM GMT |
| Venue | Estádio da Luz, Lisbon |
| Live Streaming | Paramount+, discovery+, DAZN (region-wise) |

## **Match Context & Stakes**

![Benfica vs Real Madrid](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/image-1688-1024x678.png)

**Real Madrid**, 15-time Champions League winners, are flying high. Five wins from seven matches place them **third in the league phase**, just one result away from sealing **automatic qualification for the Round of 16**. Álvaro Arbeloa’s men arrive with momentum and depth—even amid injuries.

**Benfica**, however, are in survival mode. Sitting **29th in the table**, the Portuguese side have lost five league-phase matches, including a recent 2–0 defeat to Juventus. Victory alone won’t guarantee progression, but defeat would almost certainly end their European journey.

Interestingly, **José Mourinho has never beaten Real Madrid as an opposing coach**, adding another psychological subplot to this clash.

## **Head-to-Head Record**

| Team | Wins |
| --- | --- |
| Benfica | 2 |
| Real Madrid | 1 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Last Meeting | Real Madrid 2–1 Benfica (1965) |

## **Team News & Predicted Lineups**

**Benfica Injury Concerns:**  
Six players are unavailable, including **Dodi Lukebakio, Richard Rios, Alexander Bah**, and **Nuno Félix**. January signings are ineligible, further limiting options.

**Benfica Predicted XI (4-2-3-1):**  
Trubin; Dedić, Tomás Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Aursnes, Barrenechea; Prestianni, Barreiro, Sudakov; **Vangelis Pavlidis**

**Real Madrid Team News:**  
Still without **Militão, Rüdiger, Mendy**, and **Alexander-Arnold**, but key returns include **Tchouaméni** and **Álvaro Carreras**.

**Real Madrid Predicted XI:**  
Courtois; Carvajal, Nacho, Alaba, Carreras; Valverde, Tchouaméni; Mastantuono, Bellingham, Vinícius Jr; Rodrygo

## **Match Prediction**

Benfica’s home crowd and desperation could make this competitive early on, but **Real Madrid’s European pedigree and attacking depth should prevail**.

**Prediction: Benfica 1–3 Real Madrid**

For official match updates and stats, follow **UEFA Champions League** coverage on UEFA’s official platforms and Real Madrid’s club channels. For more UCL previews, predictions, and tactical breakdowns, explore our football section on **technosports.co.in** to stay locked into Europe’s biggest nights.

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## **FAQs**

### **Q1. When was the last time Benfica played Real Madrid?**

They last met in 1965, with Real Madrid winning 2–1 in the European Cup.

### **Q2. Can Benfica still qualify for the knockout stage?**

Yes, but they must win and rely on other results to keep their hopes alive.