# Real Madrid vs Benfica Match Preview, Prediction, Teams, Timings & How to Watch: Champions League Playoff Second Leg

URL: https://technosports.co.in/real-madrid-vs-benfica-match-preview/  
Published: 2026-02-25  
Updated: 2026-02-25  
Author: Reetam Bodhak

The stage is set at the Bernabéu. [Real Madrid](https://www.instagram.com/realmadrid/)welcomes Benfica for the Champions League knockout playoff second leg on **Wednesday, February 25, 2026**, in a match that will determine who advances to the Round of 16. Los Blancos hold a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, but the tension surrounding this tie is palpable after the controversial racial abuse incident that marred the opening encounter in Lisbon. Here’s everything you need to know before kickoff.

## Real Madrid vs Benfica: Match Details & Timings

| Detail | Information |
| --- | --- |
| **Fixture** | Champions League Playoff (Second Leg) |
| **Venue** | Santiago Bernabéu, Madrid |
| **Kickoff Time** | 9:00 PM CEST (20:00 UTC) |
| **Date** | Wednesday, February 25, 2026 |
| **US Timings** | 3:00 PM ET / 12:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM GMT |
| **Current Status** | Real Madrid 1-0 Benfica (First Leg) |
| **Winner Advances To** | Champions League Round of 16 |

## How to Watch Real Madrid vs Benfica Live

**United States:** ESPN+ | ESPN Deportes **Canada:** TSN+ **Spain:** Orange TV | Movistar Liga de Campeones **International:** Check your local UEFA Champions League broadcaster

Streaming availability varies by region, so verify your local provider before the match begins. If you miss the live broadcast, highlights typically appear within 24 hours across major platforms.

![Real Madrid vs Benfica](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/image-1822.png)

## Team News & Injury Updates

**Real Madrid Injury Crisis:** Real Madrid faces a mountainous injury list heading into this crucial encounter. Jude Bellingham, Éder Militão, and Dani Ceballos are all sidelined until after the international break in March. Rodrygo serves a two-match suspension after receiving red in the league phase finale. Most critically, Kylian Mbappé is a major doubt due to a nagging knee injury that forced him to abandon training on Tuesday. If Mbappé misses out, Gonzalo García will partner Vinícius Júnior upfront.

**Benfica Squad Status:** Benfica enters healthier overall, with only João Veloso sidelined by shoulder problems. However, José Mourinho sits in the stands—banned after being sent off during the first leg. More significantly, Gianluca Prestianni (the center of the racial abuse controversy) is suspended by UEFA pending their investigation.

## Predicted Lineups for February 25

**Real Madrid (4-4-2):** Courtois; Alexander-Arnold, Asencio, Rüdiger, Carreras; Valverde, Güler, Tchouaméni, Camavinga; Gonzalo, Vinicius Junior

**Benfica (4-4-2):** Trubin; Dedić, T. Araújo, Otamendi, Dahl; Ríos, Aursnes; Lukébakio, Silva, Schjelderup; Pavlidis

The absence of Mourinho forces Benfica’s interim leadership to execute a bold strategy—they must attack aggressively despite trailing by one. Real Madrid’s backline, which has kept just two clean sheets in six matches, is vulnerable to the counter.

## Match Prediction & Analysis

Real Madrid enters as heavy favorites, and rightfully so. Real Madrid have won five of their last six games against Portuguese opponents, and the Bernabéu advantage is enormous. However, predicting a straightforward victory would be naive.

Benfica’s motivation transcends normal competition after the first-leg controversy. They’ll approach this match with fury and precision, knowing Vangelis Pavlidis has scored 28 times in all competitions during an excellent campaign. The Greek striker poses a genuine threat to Madrid’s defensive vulnerabilities.

**Our Prediction: Real Madrid 2-1 Benfica (Aggregate: Real Madrid advances 3-1)**

Real Madrid will likely prevail, but Benfica won’t go quietly. Expect a tense, emotionally-charged affair with multiple yellow cards—Eduardo Camavinga to be shown a card at +250 odds appears wise given his discipline issues and 2.36 fouls per 90 in Champions League. Vinícius Júnior will be instrumental, playing with extra motivation after the racial abuse he suffered last week.

## Head-to-Head Record

The current head-to-head record for the teams shows Real Madrid with 1 win, Benfica with 2 wins, and 0 draws. Most notably, Benfica famously defeated Real Madrid 5-3 in the 1962 European Cup final, though that advantage evaporates in recent matchups where Madrid dominates.

## Why This Match Matters Beyond Football

The investigation into Gianluca Prestianni’s alleged racial abuse of Vinícius continues, adding tension beyond normal competition. UEFA’s handling of this incident will shape football’s response to racism going forward. Both clubs understand the magnitude of this moment—it transcends football.

## Benfica’s Path to the Miracle

Benfica can absolutely cause problems. They beat Real Madrid 4-2 at home in the league phase in a performance where they outperformed Los Blancos, proving they possess the technical quality to trouble Madrid’s defense. If José Mourinho could guide them from the touchline (he can’t), his tactical genius might exploit Real Madrid’s midfield vulnerabilities. Instead, Benfica must execute a high-intensity pressing game and capitalize immediately when chances appear.

The Eagles’ only realistic path involves an early goal that forces Real Madrid to abandon their defensive solidity and chase the match. At that point, they become vulnerable to the counter—Real Madrid’s greatest strength.

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## FAQ

### **Will Kylian Mbappé play against Benfica, and how much does his absence impact Real Madrid’s title hopes?**

 Current reports suggest Mbappé is unlikely to feature due to his knee injury, with Gonzalo García expected to deputize. While García isn’t a world-beater, Real Madrid still possesses enough firepower through Vinícius and his supporting cast to navigate past Benfica. Mbappé’s absence is damaging but not fatal—the bigger concern is Bellingham, Militão, and Ceballos’ longer-term unavailability into March.

### **Can Benfica realistically overcome the 1-0 deficit at the Bernabéu without José Mourinho directing them from the sideline?**

 Possible but improbable. Benfica proved they can outperform Real Madrid in the league phase, but the Bernabéu’s intimidating atmosphere, combined with Mourinho’s suspension, creates an almost insurmountable obstacle. They need an early goal and flawless execution—one mistake becomes catastrophic. Their chances improved significantly if Real Madrid had been drawn at home to a weaker opponent, but against Los Blancos in their fortress, Benfica needs miracles.